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MINOR WARS OF THE UNITED STA2 

HISTORY 



WAR WITH MEXICO. 



BY 



HORATIO O. LADD, A.M. 






NEW YORK: 
DODD, MEAD & COMPANY, 

Publishers. 



Copyright, 1883, * 

By DODD, mead & COMPANY. 



i^h-^^ 



w 

If! '" 







PREFACE. 



The war of the United States with Mexico 
awakened the military ardor of American citizens, 
which had been slumbering since the contest with 
Great Britain in 1812-14. It stirred their imagina- 
tion with the romance which has ever been con- 
nected with the scenes of Spanish conquest, height- 
ened by the strange histories and vestiges of the 
most ancient people and civilization of the New 
World. It allured the adventurous spirit of the 
Northern soldier by the attractions of a tropical cli- 
mate and a land of superb mountain-ranges veined 
with silver and gold, and of valleys and plains rich 
with Southern fruits and flowers. 

This war formed an epoch in the history of the 
United States from which dates that heroic spirit 
of patriotism and those marvellous qualities of 
the American soldier of the last generation, which 
became so conspicuous in the Civil War, preparing 
for it some of the ablest officers and leaders. 



4 PREFACE. 

This history does not attempt to discuss military 

movements or to illustrate the principles of military 

science. It would leave a clear impression rather 

than a technical knowledge of these operations in 

the reader's mind, and arouse his interest in the 

New West, which became, by this war, an integral 

part of the Union. That he may accompHsh in 

some good measure these aims has been the earnest 

effort and hope of 

THE AUTHOR. 

University of New Mexico, 

Santa F£, November, 1882. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

FAGB 

National Histories : The United States and Mexico. . 13 

Extent of the United States, 13. — Prosperity and Power, 
14. — The Republic of Mexico, 14. — Its People, Army, 
and Congress, 15. 

CHAPTER IL 
Mexico and Texas 17 

Struggles for Freedom, 17. — The Mexican Declaration of 
Independence, 17. — Sympathy of the United States, 18. — 
Bonds of Patriotism, 19. —Territory of Texas, 20. — Des- 
potism and Revolution, 20. — Invasion of Texas, 22. — 
" Remember the Alamo," 23. — Independence of Texas, 24. 



CHAPTER III. 
Causes of the War 25 

Texas and Europe, 25. — Desire for Annexation, 26. — De- 
bates in Congress, 27. — The Needs and Demands of the 
Slave Power, 27. — Political Excitements, 28. — The Coun- 
try Aroused, 29. — The Extension of Slavery, 29. 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Immediate Causes of the War 31 

Political Necessity, 31. — International Quarrels, 32. — 
Claims for Damages, 32. — Conventions, 33. — Reparation 
Delayed, 33. — Appeal for Admission of Texas to the 



CONTENTS. 



Union, 34. — Act of Congress, 34. — Boundar)' Disputes, 
35. — Appointment of Slidell, 35. — The Nueces and Rio 
Grande, 37. — Provocatives to War, 38. — General Taylor's 
Dispatches, 39.— Haste of the Administration, 39. — Dec- 
laration of War, 40, 

CHAPTER V. 
The Army of Occupation 42 

March from the Nueces, 42. — Point Isabel, 42. — Matamo- 
ras, 43. — The Mexican Army, 43.— Bloodshed, 44. — Capt- 
ure of American Cavalry, 45. — Walker's Adventure, 46. 
— Opening Communication, 47. — Bombardment of Fort 
Brown, 47. — Wounding of Captain Brown, 49. — General 
Taylor's March to Relieve the Fort, 50. 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Battle of Palo Alto 51 

Palo Alto, 51. — Sight of the Enemy, 51. — Preparations for 
Battle, 52. — Artillery Practice, 53. — Charge of the Mexi- 
cans, 54. — Their Repulse and Heroism, 55. — Cavalry 
Movements, 56. — Attempt to Capture the Wagons, 56. — 
The American Line of Battle Advanced, 56, — Night Ends 
the Battle, 57. — The Mexicans Retreat, 57. 



CHAPTER VII. 
The Battle of Resaca de la Palma 55 

Seeking Intrenchments, 59. — Resaca de la Palma, 59. — Re- 
connoissance of General Taylor, 60. — The Opening of the 
Battle, 61. — Charge of Captain May, 62. — Friendship in 
the Midst of Battle, 62. — Capture of General La Vega, 
62.— Breaking the Mexican Line, 62. — The Enemy 
Routed, 62. — The Mexican Headquarters, 63. — Flight of 
the Defeated Army, 64. — Panic at the River, 68. — Scenes 
in Matamoras, 63. — Captures, 68. — Joy in Fort Brown, 
68. — Exchange of Prisoners, 69. 

CHAPTER VIIL 
Results of Victory 70 

Surrender of Matamoras, 71. — Pursuit of Arista's Arm)% 
71. — Reinforcements, 73. — Enthusiasm in the United 



CONTENTS. vii 

PAGB 

States, 73. — Drill and Discipline, 73. — Delays of Trans- 
portation, 74. 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Army of the West 75 

The March to Santa Fe, 75.— The Santa F6 Trail, 77.— Hard- 
ships and Sufferings in the Desert, 78. — Reports of the 
Enemy, 80. — Raton Pass, 80. — Ruins of the Temple of 
Montezuma at Pecos, 83. — Traditions, 83.— Gallisteo 
Cafion, 84. — Flight of the Mexicans, 84. — Entrance to the 
Capital, 85. — Address by General Kearney, 86. — Submis- 
sion of the Mexicans to the United States, 86. 

CHAPTER X. 
New Mexico and Santa Ffi 83 



Proclamation of Kearney, 88. — The Destiny of a State, 91. 
— Reforms, gi.— The Mexican Stamp Act, 94. — Santa F6 
and its History, 94. — The Expedition to Albuquerque, 
95. — The Valley of the Rio Grande, 96. — Governor 
Bent, 97. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Doniphan's Expedition to the Navajos 



Reinforcements at Santa F6, 99. — Price in Command, gg. 
— Kearney's departure, 99. — A Winter Campaign, 100. 
— Crossing the Sierra Madre, lor. — Excelsior, 104. — 
Indian Council, 106. — Speech of Sarcilla Largo, 106. — 
Indian Logic, 107. — The Treaty, 107. — Zuni and its Build- 
ings, 108. — The Ancient City, no. — Tokens of Wealth, 
III. 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Occupation of California 112 

Across the Continental Divide, 112. — Kearney and Kit Car- 
son, 113. — Apache Indians, 114. — The Pinos, 115. — Con- 
flict with Californians, 116.— The first Bloodshed, 116. 
— Care for the Wounded, 117. — Events in California, 
1x8. — Insurrection, 119. — Conflict of Authority, 119. — 
Battle near Los Angeles, 120. — Fremont Relieved, 123. — 
The Homeward Route, 124. 



viii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

PAGB 

The Invasion of Chihuahua 125 

Recapitulation, 125. — Preparations for the Expedition, 126. — 
The March Begun, 126. — Scenes in the Desert, 127. — 
Christmas Festivities, 128. — A New Shuffle of Cards, 
128. — Meeting the Mexicans in Arms, 129. — The first 
Battle, 130. — Victory of Brazito, 130. — Results, 131.— Capt- 
ure of El Paso, 132. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

El Paso and the Desert March 133 

Captures in El Paso, 133. — Reconciliation of Citizens, 134. 
— Diversions of Soldiers, 135. — The Carnival of Wolves, 
135. — Act of Clemency, 136. — Ordered to Chihuahua, 136. 
— Privations of the Desert, 138. — Hunger, Thirst, and 
Flames, 139. — Night-Scouting, 141. — The Governor's Ha- 
cienda, 141. — The Enemy in Sight, 142. 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Battle of Sacramento 143 

The Line of March, 143.— Position of the Enemy, 143. — 
Opening of the Battle, 144. — Storming the Intrenchments, 
146. — Rout of the Mexican Cavalry, 147. — Flight of the 
Troops, 148. — Spirit of the Troops, 148. — Spoils of the 
Victors, 148. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Chihuahua 152 

Scenes at the Capital, 152. — Triumphal Entry, 153. — The 
City and its Buildings, 154. — Scouting through Mexico, 
155. — Doniphan Ordered to Monterey, 155. — Mustered 
Out, 158. — Return to Missouri, 158. — The Welcome of 
Friends and Countrymen, 159. 

CHAPTER XVII. 
The Storming of Monterey 160 

Advance to Monterey, 160. — Its Defences, 162. — Encamp- 
ment at. Walnut Springs, 161. — Worth's Movement, 165. 



CONTENTS. 



— Cavalry Skirmish, i66. — Anticipations of Battle, 167. — 
Night Scenes, 167.- — Preparations of the Morning, 168. — 
Garland's Assault, 16S. — Capture of a Fort, 169. — Quit- 
man's Charge, 169.— Mexican Courage, 170. — Rain in the 
Night, 171. — Fort Diabolo Abandoned, 172. — Entering 
Monterey, 172. — The Texan Rangers, 172. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
The Storming of Monterey {Concluded') 174 

Worth's Operations, 174. — Taking Fort Federation, 175. — 
Capture of Fort Independence, 176. — The Bishop's Pal- 
ace Stormed, 177. — Fighting in the City, 177. — Reaching 
the Plaza, 178. — Ampudia Surrenders, 179.— Evacuation 
of the City, 180. — Incidents of the Battlefield, 181. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Operations of the Army of the Centre — Battle of 
BuENA Vista 182 

Affairs in Mexico, 182. — Return of Santa Anna, 182. — 
Failure of the Plan of the Army of the Centre, 183. — 
Dividing General Taylor's Force, 184. — General Scott 
Commander-in-Chief, 184. — Position of the Army, 186. — 
Agua Nueva, 186. — Withdrawal of the Army to Buena 
Vista, 186.— The Chosen Battle-ground, 186. — Approach 
of the Mexican Army, 187. — Disposition of Santa Anna's 
Forces, 187. — Angostura, 187. — Washington's Birthday, 
188. — Summons to Surrender from Santa Anna, 188. — ■ 
Refusal, 189. — Attack of the American Left, 189. — Re- 
pulse, 190. — Address of Santa Anna to his Troops, 191. 



CHAPTER XX. 

The Battle of Buena Vista {Concluded) 192 

Fighting for the Plateau, 192. — The three Columns of the 
Enemy, 193. — Heroism of Lieutenant O'Brien, 194. — 
Junction of Lombardini and Pachecho, 195. — Attack on 
Angostura, 196. — Cowardice of Troops, 195. — Critical 
Moments, 196. — Arrival of General Taylor, 196. — Re- 
trieving Defeat, 197. — Cavalry Movements, 198. — Desper- 



CONTENTS. 



ate Charges, 199. — Following up Advantages, 199. — Night 
Approaches, 201. — Carnage of War, 202. — Sufferings of 
the Wounded, 202. — Flight of the Mexicans, 202. — Ruin 
of their Army, 202. — Joy and Triumph of the Americans, 
202. — Movements of Santa Anna, 203. — Consequences of 
this victory, 203. — Departure of General Taylor, 204. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The Bombardment and Capture of Vera Cruz 205 

Naval Operations, 205. — Arrival and Landing of Troops, 
206. — Intrenchments and Batteries, 207. — Investment of 
Vera Cruz, 207. — Return of the Enemy's Fire, 209. — The 
Progress of the Bombardment, 2io.^Remonstrances of 
Foreigners. 213. — Request for Armistice, 213. — Its Refu- 
sal, 213. — Effects of the Shot, 214. — Offer of Surrender, 
214. — Terms of Capitulation, 215. — Amount of Captures, 
215. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The March to the Capital City of Mexico 217 

Consternation of the Mexican People, 217. — Arrival of Santa 
Anna at the Capital, 218. — Reconciliation of Factions, 218. 
— He Assumes Command, 219. — Cerro Gordo, 220.— Its 
Defences, 220. — General Scott's Plan of Attack, 221. — 
Turning the Left, 221. — Storming the Hill by Regulars, 
222. — Wounding of General Shields, 223. — Assault by Pil- 
low, 223. — Mexican Losses, 224. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
General Scott's Successful Progress tov^^ard Mexico.. 226 

Mexican Patriotism, 226. — Address to the Mexicans by Gen- 
eral Scott, 227. — Changes in the Army, and Reinforce- 
ments, 228. — The March Resumed, 229. — The Valley of 
Mexico, 230. — Fortifications of the Capital, 231. — Its Ap- 
proaches, 231. — Reconnoissances, 232. — Attacks on Con- > 
treras, 234. — Capture of Cannon, 236. — Assault of San 
Antonio and Churubusco, 237.— Knocking at the Gates of 
the Capital, 239. 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

PAGB 

Capture of the Outworks of Mexico 241 

The Armistice, 242. — Negotiations for Peace, 243. — Molino 
del Rey, 245. — Casa de Mata, 247. 

CHAPTER XXV. 
The Storming of Chapultepec — Fall of the Capital . . 249 

The Causeway of San Cosm6, 249. — Chapultepec Assailed 
and Talien, 250. — Daring Assaults, 251. —Seizing the Ap- 
proaches to the City, 252. — Stubborn Resistance, 253. — 
The Belen Gate, 254. — Quitman's Advance, 255. — Entering 
the City, 255. — Fearful Slaughter, 255. — Nightfall, 255. — 
Surrender, 255. — Forces Engaged, 255. — Santa Anna Re- 
signs, 256.— The Endurance of the Americans at Puebla, 
257. — Battle of Huamantla, 258. — Death of Captain 
Walker, 260. — Exile of Santa Anna, 259. — General Scott 
Relieved of his Command, 264. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
The Conspiracy and Revolt in New Mexico 265 

Mexican Treachery, 265. — The Plot Revealed. 266. — Trea- 
sonable Plottings Renewed, 267. — Court Records, 267. — 
Assassination of Governor Bent and his Party, 268. — 
Fighting at Cafiada, 269. — The Siege of the Pueblo of 
Taos, 270. — The Surrender of the Insurgents, 271. — Dev- 
astation of Moro Valley, 271. — Death of Captain Hend- 
ley, 272. — Sentence of Trujillo, 273. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
Incidents of the War — McCulloch's Raids 275 

The Texas Rangers, 275. — The First Scout to Linares, 276. 
— The Surprise of a Fandango Party, 278. — Raid to Carri- 
sito, 279. — Fight with Mexican Cavalry, 281. — Gallantry at 
Monterey, 282. — The Storming of Federation Hill, 282. — 
Engagement at Encarnacion, 283. — The Scouting Party 
and Adventures, 284. — Peril and Escape from Santa 
Anna's Troops, 285. — Return to Agua Nueva, 286. 



Xll CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

PAGB 

The American Navy in the War 287 

The Gulf Squadron, 287. — The Blockade, 288. — Yucatan, 

» 288. — Capture of Tampico, 288. — Expedition against Tus- 
pan, 289. — Ascent of the River, 289. — Storming the Forts, 
289. — Capture of the City, 290. — Preparations to Attack 
Tabasco, 290. — The Flotilla, 290. — Attacked by Mexicans, 
290. — Engagement with Forts, 291. — The Landing Party, 
291. — Firing upon the Spitfire, 292. — The Fortifications 
Captured, 292. — Fort Iturbide Reduced and Destroyed, 
292. — Surrender of the City, 292. — Prizes, 292. — The Pacific 
Squadron, 293. — Instructions to Commodore Sloat, 293. — 
Capture of Monterey and San Francisco, 293. — Subjuga- 
tion of California, 294. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Episodes of the War 296 

Personal Traits of General Taylor, 296. — The Soldier's 
Blunder, 296. — An Officer's Pique, 297. — Camp Discipline 
Good for Officers as well as Soldiers, 298. — The Sentinel's 
Wrath, 299. — The General's Mistake, 301. — Mexican 
Chivalry, 305. — The Fatal Ambuscade, 307. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Closing Events of the War 309 

Desire for Peace, 309. — Political Changes in Mexico, 310. 
— Proposals for Treaty of Peace, 310. — Appointment of 
Commissioners, 310. — Ratification of the Treaty, 311. — 
Its Terms, 312. — Evacuation of the Capital and the 
Country, 312. — Return of the Soldiers to their Homes, 
312. — Conclusion, 313. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

The Results of the War to the United States and 
Mexico 314 

The Avowed Purpose of the War, 314. — Area of the Con- 
quered Territory, 315. — The Cost in Human Life and 
Treasure, 316. — Value of the Acquisition, 318. — Discovery 
of Gold in California, 319. — Effects on Population and 
Commerce, 319. — Value of Products, 320. — Development 
by Railroads, 321. — Perils to the Union, 322. — Grandeur 
of the Nation, 322. 



HISTORY OF THE 

WAR WITH MEXICO. 



CHAPTER I. 

National Histories : The United States and Mexico. 

Extent of the United States — Prosperity and power — The Republic 
of Mexico— Its people, army, and Congress. 

During the period of 1840 to 1850, within which 
the war with Mexico occurred, the United States 
had a population of twenty miUions. The Union 
contained twenty-seven States, extending from the 
Gulf of Mexico to Canada, and from the Atlantic sea- 
board to the present tier of States just beyond the 
west bank of the Mississippi as far northward as 
Wisconsin. The most western State was Missouri. 
Louisiana was on the south-western border. One 
half of the States, as far as the Ohio River and in- 
cluding Missouri, was slave territory, of which the 
raising of cotton and corn was the chief industry. 



14 THE UNITED STATES A AW MEXICO. 

A remarkable degree of prosperity prevailed at 
this period in the whole country. The wonderful 
agricultural resources of the prairie States were 
being largely developed. The wheels of industry 
were humming all over the Eastern States, which 
were also extensively engaged in shipping. Their 
mercantile navy competed with that of Great Britain 
for the commerce of the seas. The United States 
possessed wealth, an exhaustless soil, mines of coal, 
iron, copper, and lead already opened, and a brave, 
intelligent, and vigorous population, a mixture of 
the best blood of the most energetic nations of 
Europe, having at once enterprise, inventive skill, 
and patriotic zeal. This Republic was able to 
fight successfully with any power on the earth. 

Mexico had within only a few years wheeled 
into line with the few republics of the world. Her 
population was composed of the native Indian, de- 
scended from the Aztec people of the middle cen- 
turies, mixed with the Spanish and other Southern 
races. The Spaniards having first conquered the 
inhabitants of this rich and beautiful country, by a 
steady stream of emigration and an oppressive mili- 
tary rule had held them in subjection for two cen- 
turies and a half, without developing the resources 
of the land for the benefit of its original owners. 
At the time of this foreign war, the passionate and 



THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. 15 

luxurious Spanish caballero, the sluggish Indian, and 
the preponderating Mestizos, or half-breeds, made 
up its population, over which the Roman Catholic 
priests held an enervating sway, not only in matters 
of religion, but as one of the ruling political powers 
of the land. 

There were six States in the Mexican Confedera- 
tion. They occupied a country rich with mines of 
gold and silver, a tropical climate, and fertile soil. 
They had an indolent population, largely given to 
the work on plantations, and unaccustomed to the 
demands of self-government, by reason of centuries 
of subjection to a foreign power. The sentiment 
of the people was divided between monarchy and 
republicanism. The majority were incapable of the 
self-denials to which an exalted patriotism would 
submit for the sake of national honor and growth. 

The Mexican army lacked the discipline which 
permanent officers and a strong and well-ordered 
government creates ; but the National Congress, in 
their pride of self-government, had a sense of im- 
portance equal to that of the parliaments of the old- 
est nations extant. 

The invasion of a country will arouse and unite 
for a time any civilized people. The passion of the 
hour and the instinct of self-defence will lead them 
to bold and courageous fighting. But for a long 



1 6 THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. 



n 



and persistent contest with a commanding govern- 
ment like that of the United States, they were un- 
fitted, and the ventures of such an unequal war 
were almost inevitably full of disaster to the young 
republic. Had the burning zeal and unhesitating 
bravery of the thousands who sacrificed their lives 
on its battle-fields been preserved for safeguards to 
the Mexican Constitution and Government against 
internal dissensions, how much brighter would 
have been the future of Mexico ! The blood of 
such heroes and veterans was too precious to be 
wasted in vain conflict with the sons of freedom in 
a sister republic. 



CHAPTER II. 

Mexico and Texas. 

Struggles for freedom— The Mexican Declaration of Independence 
— Sympathy of the United States— Bonds of patriotism — Terri- 
tory of Texas — Despotism and revolution — Invasion of Texas 
— " Remember the Alamo" — Independence of Texas. 

Mexico acquired her independence of Spain in 
theyeari82i. Miguel Hidalgoy Costillo, an Indian 
curate, and one of the purest patriots who ever 
roused a nation to shake off the chains of despotism, 
in 1810 led the first insurrection against the foreign 
power that for three centuries had crushed and en- 
feebled the people. For eleven years they struggled 
for freedom and life. Early in this revolution they 
avowed their purpose to establish a republic, the 
principles and conduct of which should accord with 
the Government of the United States. The first 
Mexican Congress in 18 12 made declarations, by 
which the following principles were established : 

The Mexican nation resumed its sovereignty, and 
exercised it by its representatives. 

Slavery was abolished. 



1 8 MEXICO AND TEXAS. 

All privileges of birth and color were annulled. 

Torture should no longer be inflicted. 

The rights of property should be protected. 

Foreign commerce should be permitted under 
moderate duties. 

The laws should require patriotism and loyalty, 
limit alike the excesses of opulence and poverty, 
tend to increase the wages of the poor, and diminish 
popular ignorance, vice, and crime. 

The people of the United States were in sympathy 
with such ideas of popular government, and with 
the people who espoused and fought for them. It 
was a new protest against the tyranny of European 
monarchies, from which they had not long escaped 
themselves. The citizens of the United States, there- 
fore, long extended toward the Mexican the for- 
bearance which the necessities and struggles of a 
neighboring nation required of the Great Republic 
whose example they were imitating. 

But events soon proved that a people must be 
fitted by nature and intelligence for self-government 
on such exalted principles as were avowed in the 
Constitution and laws of Mexico. In framing these, 
the founders of the new government overestimated 
the character and stability of purpose of the Mexi- 
can race. Constantly embroiled by contending fac- 
tions, petty jealousies, and personal ambitions of hot- 



MEXICO AND TEXAS. 1 9 

headed leaders, the Government became the prey 
of military usurpers, made presidents by /r<9w^«r/<rz- 
mientos, or proclamations without authority. With 
amazing disregard of justice and law in these fre- 
quent changes, government at home became a terror 
to the people. In fact, there was no true constitu- 
tional government. These military usurpers seized 
public and private property to maintain the army, 
till superseded by others. It was difficult to unite 
the different sections of the Mexican Confederation 
upon laws for the national welfare. Conflicting in- 
terests asserted themselves where the bonds of pa- 
triotism were still weak. The territory held by this 
distracted nation was immense. Much of it was 
desert or uncultivated land, intersected by rugged 
mountain-ranges, from which stretched vast mesas, or 
plateaus, uncultivated, and to a great extent unin- 
habited. It had no communications by railroads, 
canals, or telegraphs, and but few post-roads and 
highways of travel between the secluded cities to 
foster common interests and opinions among the 
people, who had been alienated from all respect for 
governments by centuries of the misrule and selfish 
exactions of Spain. 

The States of Mexico were rather provinces than 
States. Some of them were rich and populous, 
others settled by few people, but having a fertile 



20 MEXICO AND TEXAS. 

soil, and the resources and territory for future em- 
pires. Of the latter was Texas on the south-east, 
reaching from the Rio Grande to the Mississippi, and 
I from the Gulf of Mexico to the latitude of Missouri. 
The population was composed of a mixture of 
American, French, and Spanish blood with the 
native race, and was more fully in sympathy with 
the United States, from which many of the citizens 
had emigrated, than with the traditions and customs 
of Mexico. 

In the year 1834, Santa Anna, President of the 
Confederation, with the support of the priesthood, 
dissolved by force the Mexican Congress, and with 
large bodies of troops overawed in his own favor 
the elections which were held for the next Congress. 
This usurper, who had in 1823 proclaimed himself the 
protector of the Federal Republic, now sought to 
establish a central government armed with dictatorial 
pawer. Aided again by the Roman Catholic clergy, 
he compelled Congress, in 1835, to abolish the Con- 
stitution of 1824, and with this also the State consti- 
tutions and ofificers. He thus took away from the 
States the power to regulate their own affairs by 
legislatures. Then a military despotism was es- 
tablished through governors appointed for the new 
provinces, the name of States having been annihi- 
lated. The people of the former States of Mexico, 



MEXICO AND TEXAS. 21 

Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco, and Zacatecas opposed 
this overthrow of the Federal Government. There 
was an uprising in Zacatecas, but the inhabitants 
were crushed by Santa Anna, with a powerful army. 
With combined treachery and cruelty he butchered 
the citizens and spread terror through the land. 

The citizens of Texas, however, still desiring the 
federal system of government, called a Congress to 
consult for their own province, to meet in October, 
1835. General Cos, the military governor, before it 
assembled, brought on a conflict by attempting to 
disarm the people, who bravely resisted. The gov- 
ernor was defeated at Gonzales, Goliad, Conception, 
and Fort Lepanticlan on the west bank of the 
Nueces, and at San Antonio. He then capitulated, 
and the Texan Congress having assembled, declared 
Texas no longer bound morally or legally by the 
compact of the Union or the authority of the usurp- 
er. They also offered assistance to such members 
of the Mexican Confederacy as would take up arms 
against military despotism. Though the federal 
system was disorganized, they declared their pur- 
pose to continue faithful to the Mexican Govern- 
ment, so long as the nation should be ruled by 
the Constitution and laws that had been framed for 
the Union of States. A provisional government was 
organized in November of the same year, to continue 



22 MEXICO AND TEXAS. 



1 



in force till the following March, in order to wait the 
co-operation of the other States of the Confeder- 
acy. Henry Smith was chosen provisional govern- 
or, James W. Robinson, lieutenant-governor, and 
General Samuel Houston, commander-in-chief. 

While a convention was in session at Washington, 
Texas, March 2d, to provide for the new govern- 
ment after the expiration of the provisional one, in- 
telligence reached them that Santa Anna, with an 
army of ten thousand of his choicest troops, had 
already invaded Texas, with the purpose of slaugh- 
tering all the inhabitants who offered resistance, and 
of ravaging the country. A declaration of inde- 
pendence was adopted immediately, and a consti- 
tution agreed upon by the convention, to be sub- 
mitted to the people. General Houston issued a 
stirring appeal to arms. The invading force en- 
tered Texas in two divisions, the right led by 
General Urea, the left commanded by Santa Anna. 
The latter first besieged San Antonio de Bexar, 
which was heroically defended by Colonel Travis, 
who, with two hundred and fifty men, shut him- 
self up in the Alamo. They fought till only one 
man was left. Santa Anna, enraged at the loss of 
one thousand troops in the assault, ordered the 
single prisoner to be shot and the bodies of the 
garrison to be burned. At Goliad, General Urea 



MEXICO AND TEXAS. 23 

received the surrender of Colonel Fannin and five 
hundred soldiers, under solemn assurances that 
their lives and property should be safe. Santa 
Anna, with inhuman cruelty, ordered them to be 
slaughtered. But at San Jacinto, General Hous- 
ton, on April 21st, with eight hundred patriots, met 
the treacherous usurper, and signally defeated him. 
The Texans fought with the energy of despair and 
the ferocity of lions, aroused by the terrible war-cry, 
"Remember the Alamo!" Santa Anna had over 
sixteen hundred Mexican soldiers. He lost six 
hundred and thirty killed, two hundred and eighty 
wounded, and seven hundred and thirty prisoners of 
war. Santa Anna and General Cos were both capt- 
ured. As President of Mexico, he made a treaty 
with General Houston, in which he recognized the 
full independence of Texas, and engaged to with- 
draw his remaining troops, four thousand in number. 
Thus he escaped the punishment due to his cruel- 
ties and despotic acts. 

Though the Mexican Congress refused to recog- 
nize the authority of Santa Anna in making this 
treaty, and ordered a new invasion, it was never at- 
tempted. The border skirmishes, which followed 
for several years, only fostered hatred between the 
citizens of each Government, without affecting their 
political relations. It was evident that Mexico 



24 MEXICO AND TEXAS. 

would never recover this territory. Texas remained 
an independent State under a republican constitu- 
tion and government for ten years. She was not for- 
mally acknowledged by Mexico as independent, but 
in a few months obtained the recognition of Great 
Britain, France, and a few other European Govern- 
ments, and lastly that of the United States. Popu- 
lation flowed in from the United States, and with 
the development of her great agricultural resources 
and other industries, there was an increasing desire 
among her citizens to unite the destinies of Texas 
to those of the Great Republic. 



II 



11 



•#'? v&f 



-I 




CHAPTER III. 

Causes of the War. 

Texas and Europe — Desire for annexation — Debates in Congress 
— The needs and demands of the slave power — Political ex- 
citements — The country aroused — The extension of slavery. 

A DISTINGUISHED statesman has called the war 
with Mexico "a war of pretexts." For thirty 
years the United States had been at peace with all 
foreign nations. Indian wars had occasionally oc- 
cupied the attention of the Government, but the 
country had increased with wonderful rapidity in 
population, commerce, and the development of its 
resources and industries. The virgin soil of the 
Western States was supplying the nations of 
Europe with bread, and receiving multitudes who 
were fleeing from despotism to comfortable homes 
in this free land. England and France were jealous 
of the Republic, so dangerous in its unexampled 
prosperity to monarchical institutions, marching 
rapidly to the front of the world's nations. These 
powers seemed to be specially interested in the in- 
dependence of Texas as a barrier to the territorial 



26 CAUSES OF THE WAR. 

increase of the United States. But the bonds of 
sympathy between Texas and the United States had 
been strengthened by the aid rendered in the strug- 
gle for the freedom achieved at San Jacinto. Their 
interests were identical. A large portion of the ter- 
ritoiy of Texas lay in the valley of the Mississippi. 
Its acquisition had been the subject of negotiation 
for twenty years. It was considered essential to the 
safety and welfare of the Union. 

After ten years of independence Texas applied 
for admission to the United States. The reso- 
lutions providing for her annexation awakened 
hot debate in Congress and violent discussion all 
over the country. The measure excited as much 
opposition as it did favor. Into the debates entered 
the great question of African slavery in the Union. 
To annex Texas was sure to involve the United 
States in a war with Mexico. To advocate war for 
the sake of extending slavery and increasing the slave 
power of the Union was enough to excite the most 
bitter opposition from the Whig and the Free Soil 
parties in the Union. The strife for power between 
the advocates of freedom and of slavery was not 
yet, as it afterward became, a contest between the 
North and the South. The great and dominant 
Democratic party of the whole Union upheld the 
slave institution of the South. The rapid extension 



CA USES OF THE n AR. 27 

of free territory in the new States of the West 
required a corresponding increase in the number 
of slaveholding States, to preserve the balance 
of power in Congress. Every State entered the 
Union with a Constitution excluding or adopting 
slavery. 

Texas contained two hundred thousand square 
miles of undisputed territory, out of which, Senator 
Benton, of Missouri, said in Congress, nine slave 
States could be made, each equal to the State of 
Kentucky. This would give, he argued, a pre- 
dominant slave representation in the Government. 

Here, then, we find the great underlying cause of this 
war. It was the theme of discussions in public and 
private circles, in caucuses, conventions, legislatures, 
and Congress, and in the newspapers all over the 
land, and it "mixed politics with religion" in a 
manner most exasperating to the advocates of 
slavery. To accomplish the annexation of Texas, 
with its regal domain, its rich cotton and corn- 
producing soil, its boundless cattle ranges and 
semi-tropical climate and fruits, was to add a nev/ 
dominion — equal to the old Roman Empire in 
Europe under the Caesars — to the South and its 
institutions, enlarge the area of slavery and per- 
petuate this distinctive feature of Southern life, 
which was the basis of Southern aristocracy, and 



28 CAUSES OF THE WAR. 

should be the corner-stone of the future Southern 
Empire. 

The rising anti- slavery sentiment of the North 
fanned the flames of sectional jealousy in discussion 
of this measure. This grand scheme for increase of 
the slave power united the Whig and Free Soil ele- 
ments in the country in opposition to it. Daniel 
Webster, then in the prime of his power, led the 
Whig party in resistance to it. With great bold- 
ness and plainness it was argued in Congress as a 
pro-slavery measure. Mr. Holmes, of South Caro- 
lina, said in the House of Representatives, " The 
Southerner would be either a knave or a fool who 
would consent to divide Texas, if annexed, into two 
States, one slaveholding and one not." Mr. Mer- 
rick, of Maryland, said of the annexation, " The bal- 
ance of power once restored, abolitionists would 
then let us alone, and the blighting agitation would 
die its natural death." Mr. Calhoun, in the Senate 
at the close of the war, maintained the right of 
slaveholders to carry and hold their slaves in all the 
free territory acquired by conquest from Mexico. 
Mr. Webster, in opposition, said, " I shall do noth- 
ing to interfere with the domestic institutions of the 
South, and the Government of the United States 
has no right to interfere therewith. But that is a 
very different thing from not interfering to prevent 



CAUSES OF THE WAR. 29 

the extension of slavery by adding a large slave 
country to this. Texas is likely to be a slavehold- 
ing country, and I frankly avow my unwillingness 
to do anything that shall extend the slavery of the 
African race on this continent, or add another slave- 
holding State to the Union." 

The newspapers everywhere stated clearly the is- 
sues of the measure. " The issue," said the New York 
Evening Post, in 1844, " is, whether this Government 
shall devote its whole energies to the perpetuation 
of slavery ; whether all sister republics on this con- 
tinent, which desire to abolish slavery, are to be 
dragooned by us into the support of this institution. ' ' 
" Slavery and the defence of slavery," said the New 
Hampshire Patriot, a Democratic journal, " form 
the controlling considerations urged in favor of the 
treaty by those who have been engaged in its 
negotiations." 

The potent cause and ruling motive , therefore, of the 
war with Mexico was the purpose to extend Jiuvian 
slavery into free territory. This purpose gained 
strength with every success of the war. When, in 
arranging the preliminaries of a convention for the 
settlement of war claims, the Mexican commis- 
sioner entreated that the United States should be 
committed not to permit slavery in any part of 
the ceded territory, Commissioner Trist replied 



30 CAUSES OF THE WAR. 

that he could not accept the new territory on con- 
dition that slavery should be excluded, " not if its 
value were increased tenfold, and in addition to that 
covered a foot thick all over with pure gold." 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Immediate Causes of the War. 

Political necessity — International quarrels — Claims for damages — 
Conventions — Reparation delayed — Appeal for admission of 
Texas to the Union — Act of Congress — Boundary disputes — 
Appointment of Slidell — The Nueces and Rio Grande — Pro- 
vocatives to war — General Taylor's dispatches — Haste of the 
Administration — Declarations of war. 

Wars carried on by Christian nations must have 
some justification to the world for all the losses 
and barbarities which they produce. The imme- 
diate causes of the war with Mexico were urged by 
the supporters of the administration of President 
Polk as sufficient vindication from blame for the 
evils involved in it to both countries. 

The war was claimed to be a political necessity. 
It was asserted to be the only way to settle the 
claims for damages held by American citizens 
against the Mexican Government, and to vindicate 
the honor of the American flag. Frequent quarrels 
had arisen between citizens of Mexico and of the 
United States, which led to repeated acts of vio- 
lence and robbery, and insults to the flag of the 



32 THE IMMEDIATE CAUSES OF THE WAR. 

Union. For these acts the United States Govern- 
ment, with great forbearance, sought reparation. 
Notwithstanding the most earnest remonstrances 
these depredations did not cease. American mer- 
chants were imprisoned, their vessels seized, and 
their cargoes confiscated. The frequent changes of 
rulers in Mexico gave opportunity for new outrages 
and seemed to remit the responsibility of the Mexi- 
can Government for old ones. Though a treaty of 
amity, commerce, and navigation was made as early 
as 1 83 1, the injuries and insults complained of were 
increased rather than diminished. President Jack- 
son, in his message to Congress in the year 1837, de- 
clared that they would justify, in the eyes of all 
nations, immediate war. At length Congress re- 
quired that a final demand should be made for re- 
dress, and the fairest promises were extorted from 
the Mexican Government. Through a period of 
eight years, however, decisions upon damages, or 
their payment, were delayed, till three conventions 
and many conferences had resulted in the settlement 
of less that one fifth of the small number of claims 
that had received any consideration before the an- 
nexation of Texas. 

President Polk and his Cabinet took advantage of 
the excitement and indignation prevalent in the 
United States on account of these outrages and 



THE IM MEDIA TE CA USES OE THE IVAR. :^T, 

claims. The grievances of American citizens, the 
hot debates of the Mexican Congress, and the arbi- 
trary and insulting conduct of the Mexican officials 
toward the representatives of the United States, 
were used successfully to cover the aggressive de- 
signs of the Administration against the weak, mis- 
erable and distracted Republic on the western 
border. 

There appears to have been no real justification 
for the enforcement of these claims by war. It 
was taking a cowardly advantage of a weak nation 
to drive its Government to acts of violence by 
actual invasion of its territory. The United States 
had never been able to settle similar claims with 
any other power in the time to which it limited 
Mexico. Great Britain waited twenty years for the 
payment of claims on the United States secured by 
treaty of 1783. The United States had waited 
eleven years for settlement of claims against Great 
Britain, and over twenty years for reparation for 
depredations committed by France. 

Before the annexation of Texas full provision had 
been made by a convention, concluded at Mexico, 
November 20th, 1843, for ascertaining and paying 
all claims on which no final decision had been made ; 
and this convention was ratified by the Senate of 
the United States in January, 1844. The proceed- 



34 THE IMMEDIA TE CA USES OF THE WAR. 

ings for the annexation of Texas changed the rela- 
tions of the two countries, arrested negotiations for 
a settlement, and were the chief cause of the failure 
of Mexico to meet her engagements in those con- 
ventions. 

The number and magnitude of these offences were, 
moreover, much exaggerated. Fifteen outrages by- 
Mexicans on American citizens and property were 
placed on the lists of the State Department at 
Washington as occurring between the years 183 1 
and 1836. Most of these were the detention of ves- 
sels and the imprisonment of crews. The cruelties 
of Texan border warfare and such tragedies as 
those of Goliad and the Alamo gave to Mexican 
character a most hateful reputation in the United 
States for perfidy and treachery. But there was 
little difference in this respect between the rough 
border Texans of those days and their Mexican 
neighbors. In the wild life of herders, rancheros, 
and gamblers, a strong type of violence and lawless- 
ness prevailed. 

The annexation of Texas gave its citizens just 
claims upon the United States for protection of life 
and property. The resolutions providing for an- 
nexation passed the Senate March 1st, 1845, The 
Texan Congress, with great unanimity, accepted 
the offer June i8th, 1845, ^"^^ '^ convention, pre- 



THE hM MEDIA TE CA USES OE THE IVAR. 35 

viously summoned at Austin, Texas, for July 4th, 
ratified their action. 

The annexation was regarded by Mexico as an act 
of war in itself. The boundary disputes between 
Mexico and Texas were now transferred to the 
United States as one of the parties. Texas claimed 
the territory on her south-eastern boundary, as far ' 
as the Rio Grande. Mexico allowed the claim 
only as far as the river Nueces. Mexico began 
to form an army on the banks of the Rio Grande 
at Matamoras, and to collect forces on her northern 
frontier. >( Though there had been threats of the 
invasion of Texas, and Mexico had withdrawn her 
minister, Alamonte, from Washington, there were 
no overt acts of violence yet committed against 
Texas or the United States. 

The Government of the United States now 
pursued a double policy : carrying on war and 
peace measures at one and the same time, to 
meet the divided sentiment of the country. On 
the 15th of September it made proposals to the 
Mexican Government to adjust all the questions 
in dispute. Mexico acceded, with the request 
that the American naval force be withdrawn during 
the negotiations. Mr. John Slidell was appointed 
minister plenipotentiary to represent the United 
States, with ample powers to settle all differences 



36" THE IMMEDIATE CAUSES OF THE WAR. 

and restore harmony between the two nations. 
Having received his appointment on the loth of 
November, Mr. Slidell proceeded immediately to 
Mexico. He arrived at Vera Cruz on the 30th, but 
on presenting his credentials at the City of Mexico 
on the 6th and 21st of December, he was refused 
a recognition in his ofBcial capacity, on the ground 
that his credentials were those of a resident minister. 
He remained in Mexico till March ist, 1846. 

But these efforts at a peaceful settlement of diffi- 
culties were only palliations of the aggressive acts 
which had preceded them. Provocations of war 
had been offered which inflamed the Mexican peo- 
ple and Congress, and prevented any patient con- 
sideration of proposals such as those with which 
[j Mr. Slidell was intrusted. 

Under date of June 15th, General Zachary Taylor 
was ordered to embark at New Orleans with his 
troops for a point on or near the Rio Grande del 
Norte in Texas, to protect what in event of annexa- 
tion would be the western border of the United 
States. The order was immediately obeyed, and 
on the 2d and 4th of July a portion of the force 
was embarked on steamers. These orders were 
given before the annexation of Texas was ratified. 
Under order of July 8th, 1845, General Taylor was 
informed that Mexico had some military estab- 



THE IMMEDIATE CAUSES OF THE WAR. 37 

Ushments on the east side of the Rio Grande, 
"which," he was instructed, " are and for sometime 
have been in the actual occupation of her troops. 
The Mexican forces at the posts in their possession 
and which have been so will not be disturbed as 
long as the relations of peace between the United 
States and Mexico continue." 

It should be noticed that Texas did not exercise 
jurisdiction over this territory between the Rio 
Grande and the Nueces. Up to the time of the 
annexation there was only a claim to it. The 
United States had, therefore, no ascertained title to 
it. That of Mexico had not even been examined. It 
was the object of Mr. Polk's administration to extin- 
guish the title by force of arms before the annexa- 
tion was ratified. 

General Taylor's later instructions, of date August 
23d, were as follows : " Should Mexico assemble a 
large body of troops on the Rio Grande, and cross 
it with a considerable force, such a movement must 
be regarded as an invasion of the United States and 
the commencement of hostilities." According to 
the same order, after such hostile act he was not to 
confine his action within the territory of Texas. 

The Administration now called for the support of 
the south-western States in these war measures. 
General Taylor, in his instructions of August 23d, 



38 THE I MM EDI A TE CA USES OF THE WAR. 

was authorized by Secretary Marcy to accept volun- 
teers from the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Mis- 
sissippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and by circular 
letters to the Governors of these States they were 
informed that General Taylor, appointed to the com- 
mand of the Army of Occupation then at Corpus 
Christi to repel the invasion of Texas by Mexico, was 
thus authorized to draw aid from them. At the 
same time one thousand regular United States 
troops were sent from New York to General Taylor, 
and naval vessels were ordered to co-operate with 
him. 

Still more vigorous orders by the war-loving Gov- 
ernment at Washington were issued October i6th. 
By these General Taylor was instructed to drive all 
Mexican troops beyond the Rio Grande, and to 
select and hold Point Isabel on the banks of the 
river. Still later, January 13th, 1846, he was direct- 
ed peremptorily to march to the Rio Grande oppo- 
site Matamoras, maintain the use of the river for 
navigation, and if attacked or threatened by the 
Mexican forces to cross the river, disperse them, and 
capture Matamoras and other places in the country 
west of the Rio Grande. 

The responsibility of these orders rested wholly 
on the Administration. There was no pressing 
danger to require them. Secretai-y Marcy 's instruc- 



THE IMMEDIA TE CA USES OF THE WAR. 39 

tions of October i6th declare that the United 
States had no reason to apprehend the immediate 
invasion of Texas. General Taylor's last communi- 
cation to the Government, received before the issue 
of the orders of January 13th, reported " the pacific 
disposition of the border people on both sides of the 
river ;" and so late as February i6th he again de- 
clares the exaggerated statements of preparations for 
invasion made by Mexicans as without foundation. 

The object of the Administration in these orders 
appears in a letter from Mr. Buchanan, Secretary of 
State, to Mr. Slidell, under date of January 20th, 
1846. " In the mean time the President, in anticipa- 
tion of the final refusal of the Mexican Government 
to receive you, has ordered General Taylor to ad- 
vance and take position on the left bank of the Rio 
Grande, and has directed that a strong fleet shall be 
assembled immediately in the Gulf of Mexico. He 
v/ill thus be prepared to act with vigor and prompt- 
itude the moment that Congress shall give him the 
authority." 

But Mr. Slidell expressed to the Government in 
reply, February 19th, that he was still confident of 
being received by the Mexican Government, though 
these movements might have a salutary effect on 
negotiations. 

These were not such measures as the circum- 



40 THE IM MEDIA TE CA USES OF THE WAR. 

stances required for self-defence. They were plainly 
designed to be provocative of war. 

Mr. Slidell failed in his mission. The warlike 
Mexican, General Paredes, had become President, 
instead of the more peaceably disposed General 
Herrera, General Taylor finally left Corpus Christi 
March 21st, and marched to the Rio Grande, heed- 
less of the warning of a Mexican ofificer that the 
crossing of a small stream, the river Colorado, would 
be considered an act of war. The Government of 
Mexico now declared that war was the only settle- 
ment of the existing disputes, and Mr. Slidell, who 
up to the first of March expected recognition, im- 
mediately demanded his passports. 

The Mexican Government sent orders April 4th, 
to General Arista, in command of the Mexican forces 
on the Rio Grande, to attack the troops under Gen- 
eral Taylor by every means at his disposal which 
war permits. President Paredes wrote the same 
general at about the same time, "It is indispen- 
sable that hostilities be commenced, yourself taking 
the initiative against the enemy." 

The Government of the United States was the 
first to begin the war, and Mexico was the first to 
declare it. 

There seems to have been no sincerity on the part 
of the United States Government in efforts to avert 



THE IMMEDIATE CAUSES OF THE WAR. 41 

collision. They provoked the outbreak of the war 
by compelling Mexico either to relinquish her 
claims and forfeit her self-respect, or take up arms 
in a hopeless contest with a nation of commanding 
' resources and power. 



CHAPTER V. 

The Army of Occupation. 

March from the Nueces — Point Isabel— Matamoras — The Mexican 
army — Bloodshed — Capture of American cavalry — Walker's 
adventure — Opening communication— Bombardment of Fort 
Brown — Wounding of Captain Brown — General Taylor's 
march to relieve the fort. 

The Army of Occupation was now become an in- 
vading force, whose encroachments upon Mexican 
territory in its forward movements toward the Rio 
Grande were likely to provoke hostility and blood- 
shed at any moment. General Taylor, under orders 
from Washington, left Corpus Christi on the nth of 
March, and arrived at Matamoras on the 28th of the 
same month. The distance thus travelled by the 
troops between the Nueces and Rio Grande was 
one hundred and nineteen miles over a low and 
marshy country. "When near Matamoras, General 
Taylor with the cavalry went forward to Point 
Isabel to meet the transports which were expected 
to arrive with troops and stores at that port. Find- 
ing these already in the harbor, he immediately 
established Point Isabel as a depot of supplies. He 



THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 43 

was here met by a deputation of fifty Mexicans, 
who protested in vain against his occupation of the 
country. His arrival on the east bank of the Rio 
Grande caused much commotion among the Mexi- 
can authorities and troops stationed opposite in the 
town. General Taylor at once unfurled the Ameri- 
can flag, which the Mexicans regarded as a national 
insult, and dispatched a messenger to request that 
it be immediately hauled down. This was of course 
refused, with the statement that the flag was flying 
there by the orders of the United States Govern- 
ment, which still further exasperated the Mexican 
commander. 

Matamoras had been fortified by a battery and 
breastwork at each end of the town, with a hexagonal 
fort mounting six guns in the centre of the line of 
fortifications. General Taylor at once erected Fort 
Brown, opposite the lower battery, and awaited 
the hostile action of the enemy. In about two 
weeks, General Ampudia, the Mexican commander- 
in-chief, having arrived with a strong reinforce- 
ment, summoned the American general to break 
up his camp within twenty-four hours, and retire 
to the other bank of the Nueces River while the 
Governments of the United States and of Mexico 
were deciding the question of the Texan boundary. 
The alternative was war, but this General Ampu- 



44 THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 

dia declared should be conducted, on the part of 
Mexico, conformably to the principles established 
by the most civilized nations. At the same time 
with this demand, the American consul and all 
American citizens were ordered immediately to leave 
Matamoras. 

General Taylor, in reply, afKirmed his own peaceful 
intentions ; he declared that his Government had 
sought a settlement of the boundary question by 
negotiation and a special envoy, and that he had, 
in carrying out their instructions to occupy the 
left bank of the Rio Grande, carefully abstained 
from all acts of hostility. In the interests of justice 
and humanity and individual suffering, he regretted 
the alternative of war, the responsibilities of which 
would rest upon those who should rashly commence 
hostilities. 

The presence of two opposing forces armed for 
war within sight and sound of each other, must in- 
evitably lead to bloodshed and to acts exciting 
human passions. Two American ofKicers, Colonel 
Cross and Lieutenant Porter, straying beyond the 
lines, were waylaid and killed. The Rio Grande 
was blockaded by the orders of the United States 
Government. General Arista, who had superseded 
General Ampudia in command of the Mexican army, 
introduced papers into the American camp offering 



THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 45 

the strongest inducements to the United States 
troops, especially those of foreign birth, to desert. 
Three hundred and twenty acres of land were prom- 
ised to each private, and proportionately larger 
amounts to officers, if they would leave their ranks, 
even in the time of battle, and throw themselves into 
the arms of the Mexicans, who would gladly welcome 
them to their side. These appeals were not without 
effect. 

Open hostilities soon began. General Arista sent 
twenty-five hundred men across the Rio Grande 
above and below the American camp to cut off com- 
munications with Point Isabel. General Taylor 
ordered two squadrons of dragoons to reconnoitre 
their positions. One of these under Captain Thorn- 
ton, with about twenty-five men, proceeded twenty 
miles up the river, until he reached a farm-house and 
plantation surrounded by a high chaparral fence. 
Here he was surrounded by several hundred Mexi- 
can cavalry and infantry under General Torrejon. 
Charging upon them, Captain Thornton tried to 
effect a retreat by the narrow entrance into the en- 
closure, but was assailed by a sharp firing of mus- 
ketry from the chaparral fence, and driven back. 
Dashing forward against this fence with his gallant 
charger he cleared the enclosure, but his men were un- 
able to follow, and Captain Hardee taking the com- 



46 THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 

mand was soon obliged to surrender, with the rights 
reserved to prisoners of war. Captain Thornton 
was also captured within five miles of the Amer- 
ican lines, and was taken with the others to 
Matamoras. The Mexicans, greatly elated by the 
result of this first encounter, imagined that their 
superiority in arms was established, and General 
Arista's glowing dispatches to the Mexican Gov- 
ernment were used everywhere in the country to 
awaken the zeal of the deluded people in support 
of the perilous venture of war with the Great 
Republic. 

A day or two after this reconnoissance, dispatches 
reached General Taylor from Point Isabel announc- 
ing the danger of that post. A company of Texas 
rangers, part of the force which had opportunely 
arrived from Texas and Louisiana, had by forced 
marches reached Point Isabel just at the time when 
the movement of the Mexicans had cut off Taylor's 
communications with that point. Captain S. H. 
Walker, then commander, attempted the bold ad- 
venture of cutting his way through the Mexican 
force with only seventy-five men. Attacked by an 
overwhelming force of the enemy, most of Walker's 
men returned to Point Isabel. Walker, however, 
followed by only six men, with indomitable perse- 
verance and many narrow escapes pushed through 



THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 47 

to Fort Brown, and reported the danger threatening 
General Taylor's depot of supplies. 

His little army was in a desperate situation, with 
a hostile force every day increasing in front and rear, 
his own troops divided and his supplies cut off. He 
determined, therefore, to meet the enemy, and fight 
him at any cost. Fort Brown could be easily de- 
fended. Placing it in command of Major Jacob 
Brown, with five hundred men, consisting of a regi- 
ment of infantry and two companies of artillery 
under Captain Loud and Lieutenant Bragg respec- 
tively. General Taylor marched with the rest of his 
force toward the threatened post. He accomplished 
the march without meeting the enemy. 

General Arista at first mistook General Taylor's 
movement as a retreat from his position, and so re- 
ported it to the Mexican Government, with great 
exultation proclaiming the retreat as an act of 
cowardice on the part of the Americans. He at- 
tempted at once to make what he supposed would 
be an easy capture of the garrison of Fort Brown, 
and opened fire on the 3d of May upon the fort 
from a battery of seven guns. Major Brown re- 
turned this fire with great vigor. His guns were 
eighteen-pounders, and theii* effect was soon visible 
on the Mexican battery of eight-pounders, which 
slackened but continued its firinsf for five hours. 



48 THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 

General Taylor, hearing the guns from Fort Isabel, 
twenty-two miles distant, dispatched Captains May 
and Walker, with their dragoons, to ascertain the 
condition of the fort. They reported it as able to 
maintain the assault of any Mexican forces that 
might be brought against it. During the bombard- 
ment the Americans, for a while, directed their firing 
upon Matamoras with some effect upon the low 
buildings, but the garrison mainly resorted to their 
bomb-proofs during the latter part of the day, re- 
serving their ammunition. The first day's bom- 
bardment was, therefore, heralded by the Mexicans 
as a great victory to their arms, supposing that the 
effectiveness of their own guns had caused a great 
loss of life among the Americans, who were, in fact, 
quite unharmed. During the night of May 4th the 
Mexicans crossed the river in large force and erected 
a battery in the rear of Fort Brown. At i awn the 
fort was hotly bombarded from this new fortification, 
and returned the firing with great spirit. The next 
day the enemy was less vigorous in his attack, but 
on the 6th of May such a storm of balls and shells 
was hurled upon the garrison, that only the large 
space occupied by Fort Brown saved them from 
great loss. The men remained unflinchingly at 
their posts, maintaining for several hours a defensive 
fire from the fort. Major Brown had been instruct- 



THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 49 

ed not to hazard his position by any sally upon the 
enemy's works, but to send for aid to Point Isabel 
when needed. While on one of his frequent rounds 
to inspect the conduct of his men at the guns this 
gallant officer was struck by a piece of an exploding 
shell, losing a leg and being otherwise so injured that 
amputation did not save his life. He died in three 
days, sincerely lamented by his men, who held his 
soldierly character in high esteem. While lingering 
in agony in the close air of the bomb-proof, he cheered 
his devoted troops in their arduous duty, and urged 
them not to surrender. 

The condition of the garrison was now very 
serious under the prolonged bombardment of the 
Mexicans, and they fired at intervals signal guns 
for assistance. As soon as these were heard, the 
enemy redoubled their firing, hoping to capture 
the fort before relief could arrive. Believing that 
they had made great slaughter in the garrison. 
General Arista humanely summoned Captain Haw- 
kins, now in command, to surrender. The sum- 
mons was refused, and a tempest of deadly missiles 
from the enemy's batteries followed. Being near- 
ly out of powder, the Americans were obliged to 
maintain the mortifying attitude of silence. The 
7th of May dawned, with no cessation of bombard- 
m.ent. The Mexicans approaching the fort gained 



50 THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 

shelter of some houses near it, but did not venture 
any assault, hoping first to exhaust the powder of 
the Americans by drawing their fire. 

At noon of the 8th, the men were showing great 
Aveariness from the long-continued bombardment 
from the enemy's batteries in four different direc- 
tions, and watching for assault by the confident foe. 
They had become indifferent to the peril which sur- 
rounded them, and discouraged by the hopeless con- 
dition of their commander. Suddenly they were 
aroused by the sound of cannon in the direction of 
Point Isabel. The stirring peal of battle rolled in 
heavy volleys over the plain. The garrison flev/ to 
their guns with new zeal, and a shout that carried 
disappointment to the hearts of the enemy. Gen- 
eral Taylor was marching to their succor. He had 
met the foe, and the battle of Palo Alto was begun. 
Wherever the fighting was, they believed their Gen- 
eral would win a victory. 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Battle of Palo Alto. 

Palo Alto — Sight of the enemy — Preparations for battle — Artillery 
practice — Charge of the Mexicans — Their repulse and hero- 
ism — Cavalry movements — Attempt to capture the wagons — 
The American line of battle advanced — Night ends the 
battle — The Mexicans retreat. 

On the evening of the 7th of May, General Taylor 
left Point Isabel with twenty-one hundred men and 
a train of two hundred and fifty wagons, with the full 
intention of giving battle to the Mexicans and then 
relieving the beleaguered fort, whose signals from 
the heavy eighteen-pound guns had been heard that 
day. He marched eight miles that evening, and en- 
camped. While on the march next day at noon, 
the Mexican army was reported in front. Pressing 
on with the wagon train, the columns kept the road, 
on the right and left of which were ponds of fresh 
water, and beyond these a thick underbrush. 
Farther on was a plain on which they advanced and 
deployed as they came in sight of the Mexican army 
drawn up in an imposing line of battle. It extend- 



52 THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 

ed a mile upon the open ground, a division of cav- 
alry occupying the right wing, with artillery in the 
centre and infantry on the left. Their bright uni- 
forms of green and red, their glittering lances and 
fluttering banners, were a beautiful and stirring sight 
for the brave troops who, with but one third the 
number of their foes, were challenged to an open 
conflict on that plain. There were few, however, 
who were not eager for the battle. 

The wagons were immediately formed into a 
square, and the columns deployed in front. General 
Taylor now ordered Lieutenant Blake alone to re- 
connoitre the enemy's force, and report the number 
and disposition of Mexican troops in line. The 
order was gallantly obeyed. Riding at full speed 
to within one hundred and fifty yards, and dismount- 
ing, he coolly surveyed the enemy with his glass. 
Perceiving a few Mexican horsemen riding out to 
meet him, he galloped the whole length of the line 
of battle, outriding his pursuers, and returned to 
report to General Taylor an accurate description of 
the arrangement of the enemy's forces. 

General Taylor now completed his plan of battle, 
and stationed his troops according to this, giving to 
the artillery, his most reliable and strongest arm, 
the most prominent part in the engagement. In 
ominous silence the two armies now approached 



THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 53 

each other. The tall prairie grass muffled the sounds 
of the artillery wheels and the tramp of thousands 
of men, and only the rattle of harness and gun trap- 
pings and the jingling of arms disturbed the air 
under the cloudless Mexican sky. It was an impos- 
ing and brilliant scene. Eight or nine thousand 
men were advancing for deadly conflict on an open 
plain, as in battles of old, with scarcely a sod up- 
turned for intrenchment, without fence or wall for 
shelter. The Mexicans held higher ground for their 
batteries than their opponents, who also had but one 
third their number of combatants. On the Mexi- 
can left there was a marsh of difficult passage, and 
girding the plain at a considerable distance behind 
them were the low trees and chaparral from which 
the battle took its name. 

When within seven hundred yards, the Mexican 
batteries on their right opened fire from the rising 
ground, and their guns along the whole line were 
soon engaged. Their balls flew over the American 
troops, who were still advancing and opened to right 
and left upon the plain to give room for Lieutenant 
Churchill's eighteen-pounder battery to send their 
heavy balls in defiant answer crashing through the 
Mexican ranks. The Third Brigade of infantry, in- 
cluding also Ringgold's battery and Churchill's two 
eighteen-pounders, and a small cavalry force under 



54 THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 

Captains Ker and May, all commanded by Colonel 
Twiggs, had now taken place on the right of General 
Taylor's line. His left was composed of the Third 
Brigade under Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap. This 
was made up of an infantry regiment, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Child's battalion of artillery, and Captain 
Duncan's artillery. 

Ringgold's and Duncan's batteries quickly joined 
their sharp peals with the thunder of at least thirty 
guns engaged on both sides. The skill of the Ameri- 
can gunners was visible in the tremendous gaps that 
their shots made in the Mexican ranks. The infan- 
try and dragoons, held back from the battle, watched 
with eager eyes and triumphant shouts their deadly 
effect. General Arista, perceiving how much his in- 
fantry and horsemen were suffering from the precise 
aim of the American gunners, ordered a regiment of 
lancers to advance upon the wagon train on the 
right of the American line. Now began the manoeu- 
vres of battle. Two regiments of infantry and part 
of Ringgold's battery were dispatched far to the 
right to flank the enemy's left and check his advance 
upon the train. The Mexicans with great bravery ad- 
vanced, unchecked by the galling fire of grape-shot, 
till they came upon the Fifth Regiment of infantry 
formed into a square that hurled such a deadly vol- 
ley upon them as to break their ranks. With splen- 



THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 55 

did discipline the cavalry re-formed under this fire, 
and still pushed on with heroic determination toward 
the wagons. Colonel Twiggs now ordered the Third 
Regiment of infantry far to the right to cut off 
their victorious progress. Unable to withstand this 
new movement they retreated by squadrons in good 
order, till scattered by the fire of another battery 
which opened upon them. 

Our men were now engaged all along the line. 
For two hours the artillery fire kept up a savage 
slaughter of the Mexicans. It was mainly directed 
against their cavalry, blowing horses and riders into 
the air, and hiding in the dust-clouds rising from the 
prairie the ranks of the veterans that composed this 
gallant army. Still the Mexicans held a heroic 
front to their foes, closing up their lines and press- 
ing forward only to be hurled back again upon their 
position. The prairie-grass, dried by the heat and 
flames of the guns, took fire, and the conflagration 
filled the air with blinding smoke, which rolled 
in sulphurous clouds over the battle-field. In the 
midst of this smoke the American guns were ad- 
vanced till they held the position of the Mexicans 
at the opening of the battle. 

After an hour's interval the fighting was renewed. 
The enemy was slowly taking a more protected posi- 
tion with the chaparral behind them, when Captain 



56 THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 

May, with his dragoons, made an ineffectual attack 
on their left, but was vigorously repulsed. Ring- 
gold's battery was, however, doing terrible execution, 
and the Mexicans massed their fire upon it. In the 
midst of a tempest of balls, Captain Page fell, mor- 
tally wounded. Ringgold, who had done such gal- 
lant deeds, was cut down by a cannon-ball that took 
off both legs. With the loss of these two officers 
the artillery fire wavered ; when Child's battery 
was ordered up with a battalion of troops to sup- 
port the guns. General Arista then brought his 
Mexican cavalry in a dashing charge upon this part 
of the field to capture the batteries. The battalion 
awaited their approach, formed in a hollow square, 
but were soon thrown into confusion by the balls 
and musketry shot hurled upon them. They were 
only saved from retreating by the effective shot from 
Child's battery, which checked the Mexican cavalry 
and silenced their guns on their left. 

Baffled in this movement to cripple the strongest 
arm of his opponent. General Arista now made 
another attempt to gain possession of the wagons. 
This was resisted by Duncan's battery, the Eighth 
Infantry and Captain Ker's command of cavalry. 
The Mexican cavalry intrepidly advanced, though 
fearful havoc was visible in their ranks. They 
could not, however, reach their merciless foes. 



THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 57 

Thrown into confusion, they were at last driven back 
to the shelter of the woods, as the darkness gathered 
upon the bloody field of Palo Alto, which had been 
contested for five hours with unquestioned bravery 
and skill on both sides. The men dropped upon 
the ground to sleep, with the expectation of another 
battle in the morning. 

All the horrors of war had now been summoned to 
decide questions which might have had a peaceful 
solution. The bravery of the regular troops of 
both Republics had been tested and proved. The 
superiority of American soldiers, with numbers so 
small in comparison with their opponents, was 
justly claimed on this battle-field. Would their 
endurance be equal to another fierce struggle ? The 
issues of this day's battle had rested upon the 
superior weight of the guns and skill of the artille- 
rists. The decisions of the next contest would be, 
perhaps, in the hands and hearts of the infantry. 
With such thoughts the victorious Americans closed 
their eyes to rest in the midst of the agonizing and 
gory scenes and sounds of a battle-field where 
scores of brave men lay dead and dying in the 
night. 

The losses of the two armies at Palo Alto were 
very unequal. The American general reported 
four killed and thirty-seven wounded. Two hun- 



58 THE BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 

dred Mexicans were killed, and twice that number 
wounded ; though no accurate report of this day's 
casualties was probably ever made by General 
Arista. His official report places his entire loss at 
two hundred and fifty-two ; but he was joined on 
the battle-field by General Ampudia with forces 
drawn from Matamoras, which suffered heavily, 
though the tragic events of the next day concealed 
the extent of the damage done to the Mexican army 
at Palo Alto. 



CHAPTER VII. 
The Battle of Rcsaca dc la Palma. 

Seeking intrenchments — Resaca de la Palma — Reconnoissance of 
General Taylor — The opening of the battle — Charge of Cap- 
tain May — Friendship in the midst of battle — Capture of 
General La Vega — Breaking the Mexican line — The enemy 
routed — The Mexican headquarters — Flight of the defeated 
army — Panic at the river — Scenes in Matamoras — Captures 
— Joy in Fort Brown — Exchange of prisoners. 

The Mexican general had met his opponent on 
the open field of battle, where every movement was 
as unobstructed as the manoeuvres on a chess-board. 
Though possessing the advantage of numbers, he had 
been defeated by General Taylor mainly through 
the superior force and effectiveness of the American 
artillery. General Arista determined to meet his 
foe the next day in a strongly intrenched position. 

Resaca de la Palma, on the road to Fort Brown, 
had been already fortified to resist the movement to 
relieve the beleaguered garrison. To this position 
the Mexican army retreated early in the morning of 
the 9th. The road here passed at right angles a 
ravine four or five rods wide, with water at the 



6o THE BATTLE OF RE SAC A DE LA PALM A. 

lower end so deep as to be almost impassable. The 
farther bank was covered with thick underbrush. 
The intrenchments were so constructed as to post 
the Mexicans on both sides of this chaparral. They 
were seven thousand strong, and their batteries 
commanded the narrow strip of road which afforded 
the only approach to Fort Brown. Beyond the 
intrenchments were the headquarters of General 
Arista, filled with a great amount of baggage, am- 
munition, and other valuable supplies for the army, 
and surrounded by the tents of the Mexican officers 
and soldiers, where great preparations were in prog- 
ress for a feast in honor of the victory that was 
awaiting the approach of the Americans. 

At the woods which sheltered the ravine, General 
Taylor halted his command, and ordered a reconnois- 
sance, which exposed a masked battery, by the fire 
of which one man was killed and several wounded. 
Lieutenant Ridgeley, who had so much distinguish- 
ed himself the day before at Palo Alto, was imme- 
diately ordered to the front, supported by the 
Third, Fourth and Fifth infantry regiments, with 
orders to bring on an engagement. Ridgeley 
charged at full speed on the enemy's batteries, fol- 
lowed by a portion of the infantry, the rest, under 
Captain McCall, advancing on the ravine to the left. 
The Eighth also entered the fight on the double 



THE BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA TALMA. 6i 

quick. Ridgelcy at once drew the fire of the Mexi- 
can battery and infantry, but repHed so briskly with 
grape and canister that the Mexicans could not 
correct their range, and their balls passed over the 
heads of the rapidly advancing troops. Holding his 
ground, he fought with tremendous energy the 
Mexican veterans, who stubbornly contested every 
foot hard pressed by the gallant American soldiers, 
who formed in the ravine, and again and again 
charged through the chaparral, and mounting the 
opposite bank, drove the Mexicans from their in- 
trenchments. 

Lower down the ravine a company of the Fourth 
Infantry waded waist deep through the water under 
a sharp fire, and captured a gun which had been 
very effectively served by the Mexican gunners 
upon the American troops, and finally dislodged 
the Mexicans and carried their first line of intrench- 
ments, though they made repeated efforts to re- 
cover their lost piece. The enemy still held the 
strongest ground, and the most gallant fighting re- 
mained to be done. To take their batteries was 
the most difificult. General Taylor personally or- 
dered Captain May to the task. 

" I will do it, sir," was the reply. 

Riding up to his dragoons waiting impatiently to 
enter the battle, he gave the ringing order to charge. 



62 rilE BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALM A. 

" Men, follow me," he shouted, and dashed for- 
ward at headlong speed, with clattering hoofs and 
ringing sabres. In the full career of this brilliant 
charge, he was hailed by his comrade Ridgeley. 
" Stop, Charley, and let me first draw their fire." 
His guns flashed out their defiance to the enemy's 
battery, which almost instantly replied. Before the 
Mexican guns could be reloaded, Captain May and 
his followers were close at hand. Turning his horse 
upon the breastwork in front of the guns. May leap- 
ed over them with a few others, knocked the gunners 
from their pieces, and riding up to the commanding 
officer, who was in the act of reloading a gun with 
his own hand, summoned him to surrender. Gen- 
eral La Vega yielded his sword, and was at once 
taken back to the American lines. But the brave 
Mexicans a second and third time rallied their 
forces, and recaptured the guns, turning them upon 
their foes, till the Fifth Infantry came to the sup- 
port of the horsemen, and finally drove the heroic 
defenders of the battery from their strong position. 
The Americans nov/ charged upon the Mexicans 
farther up the ravine, and overcame, by their unfal- 
tering discipline, an equally dauntless foe. Find- 
ing it impossible longer to withstand their assail- 
ants, the defeated troops fled past General Arista's 
headquarters, pursued by the Fourth Infantry, who 



THE BATTLE OF ICE SAC A DE LA TALMA. Gt, 

were surprised to find themselves in possession of 
the baggage and military wealth of the Mexican 
army. The temptation to examine their booty 
was too great to continue the pursuit of the flying 
enemy--for a portion of these troops. Breaking 
open General Arista's military chest, they found val- 
uable maps minutely describing the topography of 
the country, which w^ere afterward of great service 
in scouting expeditions. The camp-kettles were 
boiling over the fires, and a savory supper was soon 
prepared in them for the tired soldiers. Half-skin- 
ned bullocks were hanging on the trees, and other 
indications of a hasty departure were evident in the 
camp. 

The battle was won, but of the many instances of 
personal bravery on both sides, some yet occurred 
worthy of mention. While a few Americans were 
holding possession of these headquarters a Mexican 
officer came riding toward them. He was saluted 
with a volley of musketry, but still coolly rode 
nearer, receiving a second volley unharmed. Ap- 
proaching still nearer, he escaped injury from a third 
discharge of musket balls. Then, his intrepid re- 
connoissance ended, he dashed off, and in a few 
moments returned with a squadron of lancers and 
drove the Americans into the chaparral. An 
American lieutenant, Cocliranc, however, remained 



64 THE BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALM A. 

alone to receive the charge. Defending himself 
with his sword till he was crushed down by the 
horsemen, he fell, with seven lance wounds in his 
breast. 

The issues of battle on either side often depend 
• on the self-forgetful spirit of brave men, which in 
the moment of peril scorns both danger and pain. 
When the batteries were ordered to cross the lagoon, 
Lieutenant Duncan, being ahead, came to where the 
Fifth Infantry were engaged, and asked Colonel 
Mcintosh if he would support him. He turned full 
upon Duncan, his face covered with clotted blood 
from many wounds, and said, " Yes, I will give 
you the support you need." Greatly moved at the 
sight and at the unflinching spirit of the wounded 
colonel, Duncan asked if he could be of any service 
to him. 

"Yes," he replied, "give me some water and 
show me my regiment." 

The flag of the Tampico Veterans, who had fought 
heroically at Palo Alto, was the last to disappear 
from the field. The Mexican color-sergeant bore 
the standard on the field till his regiment was 
totally destroyed by our guns. Then, tearing the 
tattered banner from the staff and trying to conceal it 
about his person, he fled toward the Rio Grande. 
Overtaken and captured by our horsemen, his flag 



THE BATTLE OF RE SAC A DE LA PALM A. 65 

became afterward a trophy in the National Capitol 
at Washington ; but its history perpetuates the fidel- 
ity of veteran soldiers of another race, who counted 
their country's honor dearer than life. 

The battle of Resaca de la Palma was one of the 
most celebrated victories of this war. The aggre- 
gate of General Taylor's forces was two thousand 
two hundred and twenty-two oflficers and men, and 
the number actually engaged was but seventeen hun- 
dred. The Mexicans fought with great advantage 
of position, under cover of woods and thick under- 
brush, with the natural defence of a ravine, and 
strong intrenchments. The American loss was 
thirty-nine killed and eighty-three v/ounded. Fif- 
teen ofificers were included in this loss, showing 
their constant presence at posts of danger. 

The enemy had a force moderately estimated by 
General Taylor at six thousand men. Nearly two 
hundred of his dead were buried by the Americans 
on the field. In killed and wounded the Mexican 
loss in the engagements of the 8th and 9th was one 
thousand. This disparity of losses, and of numbers 
of the two armies, was a cause of wonder and of most 
favorable comment wherever the fame of these bat- 
tles extended. 

General Arista was regarded as an accomplished 
officer, and he had the best part of the Mexican 



66 THE BATTLE OF KESACA DE LA PALM A. 



^ 



army in his command, the veterans of many a battle 
field in the brief history of their Republic. They 
fought with the bravery and persistency of highly 
disciplined troops, and their deeds of valor excited 
the admiration of their victors. The superior qual- 
ity of the American troops was, however, apparent 
even to their foes. Not a battalion faltered to give 
them encouragement. The daring courage and cool- 
ness of the ofificers who led their men to the 
charge, worked the guns, or, sword in hand, cut 
down the foe, contributed largely to these splendid 
victories. 

Enthusiasm for the military genius of General 
Taylor was kindled among his countrymen, who, 
since the war of 1812 with Great Britain, had lacked 
a military hero, and he received the most flatter- 
ing testimonials from military critics of Europe. 
Whether it were genius or indomitable courage 
which won these battles. General Taylor overcame 
four times the number of his own men engaged \ 
though the enemy, so superior in numbers, did not 
retire till one seventh of their force was placed hors 
du cojubat, and they were driven at the point of the 
bayonet, " throwing their muskets at our men in the 
spirit of desperation, swearing that they were devils 
incarnate. ' ' When the Mexicans saw the charge of 
May's dragoons, many of them left their ranks and 



p 



THE BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALM A. 67 



fled. It was one of the most brilliant deeds of 
modern warfare. 

Eight pieces of artillery, a large number of prison- 
ers, including fourteen officers, and a great amount 
of baggage, fell into the victor's hands. 

The after scenes of pillage, murder, and flight 
were added to the horror of the battle. Rancheros, 
who had waited to plunder the American trains, now 
robbed the camps of their countrymen and hastened 
away. Many, however, like fiends, hovered over 
the battle-field that night, barbarously murdering 
with their daggers the wounded of both armies and 
plundering them of every valuable. The Mexicans, 
in their retreat, fled from the woods toward the 
river, which was about four miles distant. Beyond 
the battle-field of Resaca de la Palma, two roads 
led to the upper and lower ferries. Along these 
rushed in confusion, about six o'clock in the even- 
ing, squads of cavalry and infantry struggling to 
reach a place of safety. The infantry threw away 
their cloaks, muskets, and cartridge-boxes to speed 
their flight. The horsemen urged on their wounded 
or jaded steeds, regardless of the fallen, till they fell 
themselves exhausted on the road. Hundreds of 
Mexicans hid themselves in the dense woods that 
lay between the battle-field and the river, hoping to 
escape from these under the cover of the night. 



68 THE BATTLE OF RE SAC A DE LA PALM A. 

Pursued by the Americans, in despair they crowded 
down upon the ferries, where only one flatboat re- 
mained. Here the cavalry charged upon those or. 
foot, and the wretches were driven into the river, 
where, cursing their countrymen who had thus forced 
them to death, and clutching at one another in theii 
agony or calling on God to help them, they sank to 
a watery grave. A shower of grape-shot from Fort 
Brown, hurled at the fugitives on the upper ferry, 
added to the consternation and panic. 

As the American troops in pursuit emerged from 
the woods near the river and saw the flag flying from 
the fort, they raised exultant cheers for their com- 
rades who had unfalteringly endured one hundred 
and forty hours of bombardment, and the valley 
rang with the hearty response of the garrison. 

General Taylor's cavalry were too few to cut off 
the enemy's retreat, and having no boats with which 
to cross the river, his troops returned, after five 
hours' fighting, to partake of the captured viands in 
the Mexican camp and bivouac upon the battle- 
ground. 

When the news reached Matamoras that the day 
was lost, consternation and chagrin seized upon the 
inhabitants. For two or three hours they had 
busied themselves in caring for the wounded who 
had been brought into the city in sacks, hung over 



THE BATTLE OF RE SAC A DE LA PALM A. 69 

-;he backs of mules, burros, or horses, the only am- 
pDulances provided for the sufferers. The arrival of 
••'ugitives turned their hopes of victory to rage. 
-Ampudia was among the first who arrived in the 
"own and announced General Arista's defeat. Hun- 
dreds of soldiers ere the day closed were wandering 
about the streets demoralized by defeat. Groups 
bf ofificers discussed the causes of their disaster. 
Women furiously tore down and stamped upon the 
vvreaths with which they had decked their houses for 
'victory, rent their gay apparel in frenzy of grief, and 
'joined their lamentations with the shrieks of wound- 
ed soldiers still brought bleeding in sacks across the 
river. Other citizens gathered their effects and 
fled, only to be plundered by lawless soldiers on the 
country roads. Social order and decency was for a 
time lost. 

The Mexicans left their dead to be buried and 
their wounded to be cared for by their victors on 
the battle-field. General Taylor treated them with 
the humanity and respect due to the fallen. An ex- 
change of prisoners was proposed by General Arista, 
which was agreed to by General Taylor, and effected 
on the nth of May. Among the American officers 
exchanged were Captains Thornton and Hardee 
and Lieutenant Lane. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Residts of Victory. 

Surrender of Matamoras— Pursuit of Arista's army — Reinforce- 
ments — Enthusiasm in the United States — Drill and discipline i 
—Delays of transportation. i 

Having fought and defeated the strongest army! 
the Mexicans were able at this stage of the war to! 
bring against him, General Taylor immediately set i 
out for Fort Isabel to open communications with 
Commodore Conner of the United States fleet. He 
there arranged with him for an attack upon Barita, 
a small town at the mouth of the Rio Grande, 
which was easily captured, and the approach to 
Matamoras thus secured for expected reinforce- 
ments. Returning to Fort Brown on the 14th of 
May, he prepared to attack Matamoras without 
further delay. On the 17th, General Twiggs was 
ordered to cross the river with his command, when 
General Arista proposed an armistice till the pend- 
ing difificulties between the two governments were 
settled. Perceiving that this was only an expedient 
to secure time to remove the large stores of food 



RESULTS OF VICTORY. 71 

and munitions of war collected at Matamoras, the 
armistice was refused, and the surrender of the town 
demanded before three o'clock of the same day, 
with the permission granted to General Arista to 
withdraw only his troops, leaving public property of 
every description within the city. The allotted 
time expired, and the army was put in motion to as- 
sault the town. To Adjutant-General Bliss, bearing 
a flag of truce dispatched by General Taylor to the 
prefect of Matamoras, again demanding its surren- 
der, the civil authorities sent their submission. A 
small forcQ of American troops accordingly took 
possession of the town, and raised the American flag 
above Fort Paredes, on the west bank of the Rio 
Grande. Arista's troops, having partially destroyed 
the public stores, had fled. 

The next day all the cavalry, about two hundred 
and fifty in number, started in pursuit of Arista's 
army to capture prisoners and baggage. Lieutenant 
Garland in command followed them for sixty miles, 
but was obliged to return on account of a scarcity of 
food and water. A few prisoners and a small quan- 
tity of ammunition was taken. The Mexican army 
was but twenty-four hours ahead of our cavalry, 
who stopped at the same ranches occupied the pre- 
vious night by the Mexicans. The proprietor of 
one of these asked an American ofifiicer where he 



72 RESULTS OF VICTORY. 

was going with the cavahy. He replied, " To pur- 
sue the retreating army of Arista." "Retreating 
army," he exclaimed in surprise, "why. General 
Ampudia told me last night that his troops had con- 
quered the Americans, and that he was now on his 
way to Mexico to take the news." ' It seemed in- 
credible to the astonished Mexican that a few Amer- 
ican dragoons should be driving before them three 
thousand Mexican troops. 

The battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma 
had, in fact, given possession of this part of Mexico 
to the American Army of Occupation. The Mexi- 
can Army of the North was utterly routed, and fly- 
ing to the interior with the loss of most of their 
munitions of war and artillery, and their vaunting 
assurance of destroying the invader's army at a 
single blow quite dispelled. 

The exciting events on the Rio Grande, in which 
so much American blood had been shed, and the 
dangerous position of General Taylor's army in the 
midst of a hostile country, had roused the States to 
the greatest enthusiasm. " The war has begun !" 
was the stirring cry taken up and carried by all the 
slow methods of communication of those days to 
every part of the land. It inflamed the long- 
cherished rancor against Mexico in thousands of 
hearts, and roused patriotism to a pitcli that made 



RESULTS OF VICTORY. 73 

men oblivious of the right and wrong of the war, 
when the honor of the Stars and Stripes was in 
peril. The President had now the opportunity to 
bring the necessities of the country effectively 
before Congress. He was authorized to accept the 
services of fifty thousand volunteers, for which an 
appropriation from the Treasury of the United 
States was made by Act of Congress. So great 
was the zeal manifested, especially in some of the 
Southern States, that requisitions on their Govern- 
ors, made by General Gaines in command at New 
Orleans, for reinforcements to General Taylor, were 
answered by ten times the number called for. Six 
months' volunteers, v/hen mustered into service, did 
not hesitate to change their term of service to twelve 
months, and were only eager to be transported to 
the famed land conquered by Cortez, to perform 
deeds which should reflect far greater honor upon 
the flag of the Union. 

Reinforcements began to arrive at Matamoras, 
and volunteers were flocking to the standard of 
the victorious general. He at once began a sys- 
tematic course of discipline and drill. The com- 
mands of Colonel Twiggs, General Worth, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap were encamped in the 
suburbs of Matamoras. General Taylor's head- 
quarters were near Fort Brown, and the camps 



74 RESULTS OF VICTORY. 

of the volunteer regiments stretched far away 
along the hills on the eastern bank of the Rio 
Grande. Here the army, sadly deficient in supplies 
and means of transportation, was delayed three 
months, and General 'Taylor, while waiting for 
these, lost the precious opportunity of following up 
the effects of his victories by marching upon Mon- 
terey before that stronghold could be strengthened 
and defended by another Mexican army. Some 
small towns were captured by short raids toward 
Monterey. Among these v/ere Camargo, Mier and 
Reynoso. Camargo, occupied by a party of Texan 
Rangers under Colonel McCulloch on the 14th of 
July, was soon made a point of rendezvous for 
all supplies and reinforcements, while preparations 
were being made for an attack on Monterey. Stores 
were transported thither by steamboats up the Rio 
Grande, and the soldiers from Point Isabel and 
Matamoras marched over the hot, dusty roads trav- 
ersed by Arista's army in their retreat, during the 
months of June, July, and August. Meanwhile the 
interesting events of another campaign of this war 
were transpiring on the plains of New Mexico. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Army of the West. 

The march to Santa Fe— The Santa Fe trail— Hardships and suf- 
ferings in the desert — Reports of the enemy — Raton Pass- 
Ruins of the Temple of Montezuma at Pecos — ^Traditions — 
Gallisteo Canon — Flight of the Mexicans — Entrance to the 
capital — Address by General Kearney — Submission of the 
Mexicans to the United States. 

In accordance with the plan of the Administration 
at Washington, the fifty thousand troops authorized 
by Act of Congress in April, 1846, were assigned to 
three divisions, the Army of Occupation, under 
command of Major-General Taylor, the Army of 
the Centre, under Brigadier-General Wool, and the 
Army of the West, of which Colonel Stephen W. 
Kearney, of the United States Army, soon made 
brigadier-general, was in chief command. This 
division was ordered to march to Santa Fe, seize 
upon the territory of New Mexico, and then push 
on westward to occupy California. The most im- 
portant results of the war were, therefore, committed 
to General Kearney, for the eye of the Government 



76 THE ARjMY of THE WEST. 

was upon this part of the Mexican possessions as the 
most desirable spoils of victory. 

The troops of the Army of the West were required 
to rendezvous at Fort Leavenworth on the Missouri 
River, twenty-two miles above the mouth of the 
Kansas River. They were all Missouri companies, 
and with the exception of one battalion of infan- 
try, mounted volunteers who had organized within 
twenty days after the Governor's requisition. The 
effective force numbered one thousand six hundred 
and fifty-eight men, and sixteen pieces of artillery. 
Colonel Alexander W. Doniphan, who had served in 
the Missouri war of 1838, was second in command, 
and the most popular, efficient, and prominent 
officer of this expedition. 

The State of Missouri shared the war excitement 
with other parts of the Union. The Missouri River 
steamboats daily bore great crowds of friends and 
relatives to Fort Leavenworth to witness the depart- 
ure of this little army on their adventurous march of 
two thousand miles to the Pacific, one half of which 
were to be through a hostile country. For a thou- 
sand miles the green prairies stretched like a sea 
between them and Mexican soil. Then billowy 
plains and alpine ranges must be overcome, hot, tree- 
less deserts and wintry snows passed through, and 
the perils bravely endured of savage tribes and en- 



THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 77 

raged peoples of unknown numbers resisting the 
invasion of their native land. It seemed like the 
long, last parting to friends, and each man of the 
expedition was exalted to the place of hero in the 
hearts of his countrymen. 

A provision train of a hundred wagons and two 
mounted companies having been sent forward over 
the plains, the main body began their march on the 
26th of June, 1846. Three days afterward, Colonel 
Kearney followed with the rear of his command. 
The column winding over these plains was a strange 
sight, inspiring the ardor and admiration of this ven- 
turesome frontier people. Over the Santa Fe trail 
for years had hung the horrors of scenes of blood- 
shed, famine, Indian cruelty and sufferings, from 
which a few would escape to tell the sad stories. 
It was tracked with the bones of men and beasts. 
For the first time, an army under the Stars and 
Stripes, with glittering guns and swords and all the 
trappings of war, and with the gayety of reckless 
men, was moving across these prairies, to invade 
the homes of an ancient people, foreign in speech, 
habits, and religion. 

A merchant train in advance, consisting of four 
hundred white-capped wagons, was already dotting 
the undulating plains. Ere these could be over- 
taken, sixty-five miles of roadway west of Indepen- 



78 THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 

dence, had to be made partly through a thick timber 
growth, over ravines, high-banked creeks, tall grass 
or soft prairie mud, into which the heavy wagon 
v/heels sank to the axle. Sometimes a hundred men 
vvere needed to draw a heavy wagon up the precipi- 
tous ridges of the table-lands. The heat was often 
very oppressive. The untrained cavalry horses, un- 
used to military trappings or discipline, frequently 
broke loose and scampered over the wide prairies. 
From the 2d of July, when the whole column was 
fairly entered upon the great Santa Fe trail, they 
traversed six hundred miles over a monotonous road 
without sight of habitations in the whole dreary ex- 
panse, till Fort Bent, on the Arkansas, was reached. 
Then the rolling, flower-clad prairie was for a few 
days a luxurious roadway for the march of an army. 
Springs, brooks, clumps of timber and occasional 
rivers, where they could bathe and refresh themselves, 
made convenient halting-places for the troops, and 
provision trains still kept them supplied with food. 
Soon, however, it became more difficult to overtake 
the wagon trains scattered along the route, and the 
soldiers were sometimes overcome by hunger and 
fatigue under the hot July sun. As they still moved 
westward fuel failed, and only dried buffalo chips, 
worthless in wet weather, could be found to warm 
their scanty food. By the loth of July drenching 



THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 79 

rains began, succeeded by excessively hot weather. 
When the animals and men, who had frequently 
been deceived by the mirages of the desert, at last 
reached the Arkansas River again, they rushed into 
it to slake their burning thirst in its muddy waters. 

Their march in a few days brought them to herds 
of buffalo roaming the plains, who afforded the 
hungry men sumptuous fare. Three or four hun- 
dred of these wild beasts would break through the 
long extended column winding over the plain, and 
in their confusion many fell beneath the ready rifles 
of the soldiers and teamsters. Again the flowery 
prairie with its pink and blue lilies, and poppies and 
sunflowers, which had cheered the solitudes with 
their colors, changed to an arid plain. The route 
now led through a heated desert incrusted with 
alkaline earth like fine ashes, or hard with rain- 
washed pebbles, polished like glass by the winds and 
blistering hot to the feet, occasionally intersect- 
ed by striped ridges of blue, red, and yellow sand- 
stone. On this great desert for many months of the 
year neither dew nor rain fell, and the ground was 
whitened by the bones of thousands of men and 
beasts that had^perished by starvation. 

The main column reached Fort Bent the 30th of 
July. Here the troops rested till the 2d of August, 
and the sick, who numbered about sixty, were left. 



So THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 

Neus previously received of the hostile prepara- 
tions of the Mexicans under Governor Armijo 
was confirmed by the arrival of messengers from 
Santa Fe. The Camanche Indians were now seen hov- 
ering over the plains, and they even visited the 
camps, curiously examining the artillery. A detach- 
ment was sent northward to the Taos valley to offer 
peace to the inhabitants, and report their reception to 
Colonel Kearney, and on the 2d of August the march 
was resumed through a still more inhospitable desert 
southwardly toward the Raton Mountains. There 
was neither grass nor shrubs for the famishing ani- 
mals ; the water was scarce, muddy, and bitter ; the 
wheels sank to their felloes in the pulverized earth, 
and the wind drove the sand into the faces of men 
and beasts, so that with eyes, nostril, and mouth 
filled, they were well-nigh suffocated. Thus the 
panting column advanced for three days, till on the 
5th of August they encamped on the banks of the 
Purgatoire, a cool mountain stream, having passed 
out of the desert and come in sight of the lofty Cim- 
maron and Spanish peaks rising thirteen thousand 
feet above the Gulf of Mexico in snowy grandeur be- 
fore them. Cheered by these boundaries of the des- 
olate plains, the men entered with new energy and 
spirit upon the rough roads and abrupt hills which 
were to be passed as they ascended the Raton Pass 



THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 8l 

and came out upon a grand amphitheatre girt with 
steep hills of granite and basalt, where they enjoyed 
the first Sabbath's rest allowed them since they left 
Missouri. 

The troops were nov/ placed upon an allowance of 
rations not one third the usual quantity. They had 
good reason to regret the comforts they had left 
behind, but cheerfully submitted to the privations 
of irregular and scanty supplies, to which unhappily 
they were destined ever afterward in this campaign. 
But the little army made rapid progress over the 
plains and through the mountain gorges. They ac- 
complished from seventeen to twenty-five miles per 
day. Colonel Kearney, with about five hundred 
men, was in advance of Colonel Doniphan. Though 
the troops had met no enemy, there were among 
them quite frequent deaths by exhaustion and sick- 
ness. Not only provisions but ammunition was so 
diminished that the soldiers were restrained from 
wasting the latter on game, when an engagement with 
the Mexicans was so soon expected. 

On the 14th of August the expedition arrived In 
the vicinity of the Mexican settlements, where they 
found a country covered with groves of cedars and 
pines, and the Mexican ranchos or farms in the val- 
leys surrounded with corn-fields and gardens. 

The next day two items of news reached the 



82 THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 

army which greatly elated the troops. Colonel 
Kearney received his appointment from the Presi- 
dent as Brigadier-General, and from the west it was 
announced that two thousand Mexicans were en- 
camped in the canon six miles from Las Vegas to 
oppose their march. The spirit of volunteer soldiers, 
depressed by the fatigues and hardships of the long- 
est march ever made by an army on this continent, 
was now aroused. The line of battle was formed 
and ammunition distributed. The trumpet sounded 
the advance. Banners were flying and high hopes 
were entertained of a fight with the long-sought 
enemy. As the column in battle array passed Las 
Vegas, the Alcalde and prominent citizens of Las 
Vegas took the oath of allegiance to the laws and 
government of the United States from Colonel 
Kearney. But when, hurrying on to the canon, the 
column prepared for the clash of arms, the disap- 
pointed troops discovered that the Mexicans had 
fled. 

Pursuing their march, they halted at the villages 
of San Miguel and Pecos to administer the oath 
of allegiance. Here was an abundance of fresh 
spring water, of grass and provisions, of vegetables, 
bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and chickens, which were 
freely furnished by the inhabitants, glad to accept 
the money of the soldiers for their produce. Strict 






THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 83 

orders had been given to the various divisions of 
the United States army to purchase their food and 
forage of the peaceable inhabitants of Mexico. 
These orders were generally obeyed in the early part 
of the war, and were strictly enforced in the expe- 
dition to New Mexico, where there was compara- 
tively little opposition raised to the invasion and 
subjugation of the territory. 

At Pecos the expedition came upon the interest- 
ing ruins of the village which was the traditional 
birthplace of the great Montezuma, and M'hich had 
been the capital of the tribe descended from him. 
Here was the temple built of adobe bricks more than 
three hundred years old, in which for ages was kept 
alive the sacred fire that Montezuma is said to have 
kindled and commanded to be kept burning till he 
should return to deliver his people from oppression. 
The tradition still lingered that by accident the fire 
was at last extinguished and the village and temple 
abandoned. The troops found the temple within 
the stone walls eight feet high and four feet thick 
which entirely surrounded the village of Pecos. Its 
measurements were one hundred and ninety-one 
feet long, thirty-five feet broad and fifty feet high, 
with walls six feet thick. The interior was divided 
into compartments, having cells, stone cisterns, and 
tanks, while the outside turrets were tumbled to the 



84 THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 

ground. The Pueblo Indians during this war could 
not be induced to fight the American troops, though 
at first enlisted in it by the urgent pleas of the 
Mexicans. They had a tradition that help would 
come to them from the East to deliver them from 
Spanish rule, the prophecy of which seemed to 
them already fulfilled. 

Don Manuel Armijo, the Spanish Governor of 
New Mexico, had by this time gathered a force of 
seven thousand men to oppose their invaders. Two 
thousand were well armed, and they had partially 
fortified the Gallisteo Canon fifteen miles from Santa 
Fe, in order to give battle there to Kearney's com- 
mand. Armijo had sent a message to General 
Kearney, saying ambiguously that he would meet 
him on that or the following day. Hoping still for 
a peaceful interview, Kearney hastened forward, 
and arrived at Gallisteo Pass on the i8th of August. 
His men were in order of battle, but again he 
found no enemy. Dissension had broken out 
among the officers of the Mexican army, and the 
private soldiers, being peaceably disposed toward 
the Americans, had on this pretext abandoned the 
officers. Left without soldiers. Governor Armijo 
escaped with a few dragoons southward toward 
Chihuahua, and General Kearney, with less than two 
thousand soldiers, passed through a defile so narrow 



THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 85 

that but three or four men could walk abreast, and 
where seven thousand Mexicans with six pieces of 
cannon could have successfully resisted five times 
their number. 

On the same day the American troops entered 
Santa Fe, took peaceable possession of the capital 
and the whole country in the name of the United 
States, after a march of nine hundred miles, accom- 
plished in less than fifty days. Without the loss of 
a single man in battle, he planted the American flag 
in the plaza in front of the Palacio Grande, the 
residence of Governor Armijo and of the succes- 
sive Spanish governors since the conquest. 

As the flag was raised in the public square, a 
national salute of twenty-eight guns was fired from 
the Loma, a hill east of the town, where the camp 
ground had been selected, and the American cavalry 
rode with waving banners through the streets of the 
city. Not a moment had the army halted that day. 
Many of the animals exhausted sank down to die. 
The baggage wagons came through the night over 
the muddy and rough road, and the men lay down 
on the bare hill, where neither wood nor grass could 
be found, without food or drink, to find even there a 
welcome rest. 

The next day, with the aid of an interpreter. 
General Kearney addressed the citizens assembled 



86 THE ARMY OF THE WEST. 

in front of the Palace, which had been taken as head- 
quarters of the American army. He declared the 
peaceable intentions of the invasion by the United 
States troops, who had no thought of robbing them 
of property, domestic security, or religion. They 
were no longer Mexican but American citizens, and 
subject only to the laws of the United States, under 
which all men were equal. He counselled them to 
resort to no violence, but to take the oath of alle- 
giance, and announced that all their officers would 
remain unchanged, except the governor, who had 
fled. He then administered to these officers the 
oath of allegiance to the United States, and amid 
the tears and shouts of the people, who had been 
made to believe that they would be robbed and out- 
raged, General Kearney was received as their deliv- 
erer rather than conqueror. In the same way he 
received the allegiance of the delegates from the 
neighboring Pueblos, who came to offer submis- 
sion. 

By the orders of General Kearney, a flag-staff one 
hundred feet high was raised for the American flag in 
the plaza. The Mexicans in and around Santa Fe, 
notwithstanding the efforts of their priests and 
former rulers, were soon won to good-will and appar- 
ent contentment under the new regime, by the fact 
that their property was not molested, their flocks 



I 



THE ARMY OF TI/E WEST. 87 

were left undisturbed, their fruits, grain, and provi- 
sions scrupulously paid for in full value by their 
American conquerors, and their homes made secure 
from all violence. 



CHAPTER X. 

Neiv Mexico and Santa Fd. 

Proclamation of Kearney — The destiny of a State — Reforms— The 
Mexican Stamp Act — Santa Fe and its history — The expe- 
dition to Albuquerque — The valley of the Rio Grande — 
Governor Bent. 

As the civil and military governor of New- 
Mexico, General Kearney, on the 22d of August, 
issued the following important proclamation. It in- 
dicated the intentions of the United States Govern- 
ment and the course which would be pursued to pro- 
vide for New Mexico and other conquered prov- 
inces a free government as a territory whose citi- 
zens should hereafter enjoy all the privileges of the 
American Union : 

"As by the act of the Republic of Mexico, a 
state of war exists between that Government and the 
United States, and as the undersigned, at the head 
of his troops, on the i8th instant took possession 
of Santa Fe, the capital of the department of New 
Mexico, he now announces his intention to hold the 
department with its original boundaries (on both 



NEIV MEXICO AND SANTA FE. 89 

sides of the Del Norte) as a part of the United 
States, and under the name of the Territory of New 
Mexico. 

" The undersigned has come to New Mexico with 
a strong miHtary force, and an equally strong one is 
following close in his rear. He has more troops than 
necessary to put down any opposition that can pos- 
sibly be brought against him, and therefore it would 
be folly and madness for any dissatisfied or discon- 
tented persons to think of resisting him. 

" The undersigned has instructions from his Gov- 
ernment to respect the religious institutions of New 
Mexico, to protect the property of the church, to 
cause the worship of those belonging to it to be un- 
disturbed, and their religious rights in the amplest 
manner preserved to them. Also to protect the 
person and property of all quiet and peaceable in- 
habitants within its boundaries, against their ene- 
mies, the Eutaws, Navajos, and others. And while 
he assures all that it will be his pleasure as well as 
his duty to comply with those instructions, he calls 
upon them to exert themselves in preserving order, 
in promoting concord, and in maintaining the 
authority and efBciency of the laws ; and to require 
of those who have left their homes and taken up 
arms against the troops of the United States to 
return forthwith to them, or else they will be con- 



90 NEW MEXICO AND SANTA fA. 

sidered as enemies and traitors, subjecting their per- 
sons to punishment and their property to seizure 
and confiscation, for the benefit of the pubHc treas- 
ury. It is the wish and intention of the United 
States to provide for New Mexico a free govern- 
ment, with the least possible delay, similar to that in 
the United States, and the people of New Mexico 
will then be called on to exercise the rights of free- 
men in electing their own representatives to the 
Territorial Legislature ; but until this can be done, 
the laws hitherto in existence will be continued 
until changed or modified by competent authority, 
and those persons holding ofifice will continue in the 
same for the present, provided they will consider 
themselves good citizens and willing to take the oath 
of allegiance to the United States. 

" The undersigned hereby absolves all persons 
residing within the boundary of New Mexico from 
further allegiance to the republic of Mexico, and 
hereby claims them as citizens of the United States. 
Those who remain quiet and peaceable will be con- 
sidered as good citizens and receive protection. 
Those who are found in arms or instigating others 
against the United States will be considered as 
traitors and treated accordingly. Don Manuel 
Armijo, the late governor of this department, has 
fled from it. The undersigned has taken possession 



NEW MEXICO AND SANTA EE. 9 1 

of it without firing a gun or shedding a drop of 
blood, in which he most truly rejoices, and for the 
present will be considered as governor of this terri- 
tory. 

' "-Given at Santa Fe, the capital of the territory of 
New Mexico, this 22d day of August, 1846, and in 
the 71st year of the independence of the United 
States. By the Governor : 

"S. W. Kearney, Brig, -Gen." 

Thus a territory embracing two hundred thousand 
square miles, with a magnificent climate, stately 
mountain ranges containing inexhaustible resources 
of mineral wealth, vast plains for pasturage and 
grazing, and fertile valleys, where by irrigation the 
most valuable grains and delicious fruits in the world 
can be cultivated with ease and in abundance, 
passed forever from the dominion of the race that 
had held its inhabitants in oppression for three hun- 
dred years, to freedom and prosperity in the future 
that can only belong to an integral part of the 
grandest republic and most populous nation of the 
world. 

The population of New Mexico was at this time 
about one hundred and sixty thousand. One third 
of these were Pueblo Indians, who, though they had 
submitted to their conquerors the Spaniards, and 



92 7\rElV MEXICO AND SANTA FE. 

were outwardly conformed to the Roman Catholic 
religion and the laws of the State, lived apart in vil- 
lages or pueblos, refusing to marry with the Mexi- 
cans, and maintaining their ancient social customs. 
During the disturbances and changes in the central 
government, New Mexico had been exposed to the 
incursions of savage tribes and rent by feuds, so 
that there was left but a weak sentiment of loyalty 
to the Mexican Government in the people, with 
which they could be aroused against the American 
invaders, while the native Indians were quite in- 
different to the fate of the territory. 

Santa Fe, at the time of its occupation, contained 
about six thousand people. It was the site of an 
Indian pueblo, when the country was first occupied 
by the Spaniards, who found it then a populous vil- 
lage, and made it their capital and military head- 
quarters. They gave it the name La Villa Real del 
Santa Fe — the Royal City of the Holy Faith. Its 
age is unknown. Traditions discover it before its 
Spanish occupation, in the earliest history of the 
country. To the little American army, its last in- 
vaders, who had now taken possession of it, this city 
was a place of romantic interest. Its brown adobe 
walls and low houses had an indescribable strange- 
ness about them. Its churches, built three centuries 
ago by Spaniards, were of the rudest architecture, 



I 



NEW MEXICO AND SANTA FE. 93 

hung with old battered Spanish bells, but orna- 
mented within by oak and cedar beams roughly but 
curiously carved. Its plazas, its fort-like houses 
with inner courts and portals, and windowless walls 
three or four feet thick ; its narrow and crooked 
streets ; the numerous vestiges of Indian habita- 
tions, cooking implements, weapons of stone and 
volcanic glass, broken crockery with strange paint- 
ings, and human bones of an ancient people, all 
mingled with the mud of which the walls were con- 
structed, gave a singular charm to the surroundings 
of the soldiers. Tales of merchant adventure and 
Indian warfare had for years been associated with 
Santa Fe. It was the point where ended the long 
journeys of the slow-moving wagon trains. Here 
the goods thus transported from the Missouri River 
were distributed farther west and south among the 
Indians and Mexicans by the merchants from Cen- 
tral Mexico who obtained from them their annual 
supplies. 

The location of Santa Fe was indeed inviting and 
restful to the exhausted soldiers. A clear mountain 
stream issued from the cafion in the Santa Fe range, 
three miles away, and flowed through the centre of 
the town. In the season of rain its bed was filled 
with a roaring flood. Rising behind the town to 
the north were the Santa Fe Mountains, capped 



94 NEW MEXICO AND SANTA f£. 



II 



with the white summit of Old Baldy, one of the 
Rocky Mountain range, thirteen thousand feet high. 
To the west rose the distant Jemez Mountains, 
beyond the fertile plain irrigated by the river which 
stretched southward between the foot-hills sixteen 
miles, hemmed across by the Los Cerrillos, Placitas 
and Sandia ranges. A more beautiful situation could 
not have been chosen for a large city. The troops 
were comfortably encamped on the south bank of 
the stream, in the reservation above the plaza, now 
Fort Marcy, and on the Loma north-east of the 
town, and freely mingled with the citizens in their 
amusements and social life. 

General Kearney, occupied by the delegations who 
came from all parts of the territory to offer allegi- 
ance, sent dispatches to Washington, announcing 
the bloodless conquest of New Mexico, and asking 
for further instructions. The change of govern- 
ment was a relief to the common people, who had 
long been subjected to extortion and slavery, from . 
which a nobler race would have freed themselves, 
as did the inhabitants of the American colonies. 

One day General Kearney was told by the Alcalde 
of Santa Fe that he could not make a legal docu- 
ment of the simplest kind, which he had occasion to 
do, without using stamped government paper, sold 
at eight dollars per sheet. General Kearney imme- 



NEIV MEXICO AND SANTA F&. 95 

diately took a slip of paper and wrote a short procla- 
mation, declaring that the use of stamped paper by 
the Government of New Mexico was henceforth 
abolished. It was such an infliction of the Stamp 
Act by a foreign government which so roused the 
indignation and resistance of the New England col- 
onists against their mother country. But this people 
had meekly suffered much extortion for years, and 
were glad of a deliverance which Providence had 
brought to them. So much consideration was 
shown by the American governor to the Mexicans, 
that it was commonly remarked by the volunteers 
that their general treated the people of New Mexico 
better than he did his own soldiers. 

On the 2d of September, General Kearney, with a 
force of seven hundred and seventy-five mounted men, 
made an expedition southward to Albuquerque on the 
Rio Grande, to put down an insurrection which was 
reported to have been raised there at the instigation 
of Armijo, the late governor. Following the Chi- 
huahua road over a dry and barren plain to the 
Gallisteo River, they proceeded to the pueblos of 
San Domingo and San Felipe, where the Indians 
cordially received them with a dashing cavalcade and 
entertained them by a sham fight on horseback. En- 
tering the valley of the Rio Grande they followed 
the river by the towns of Algodones, Bernalillo, and 



96 NEW MEXICO AND SANTA FE. 

Sandia, numbering from three hundred to one thou- 
sand inhabitants, until they reached Albuquerque. 
A hospitable salute of twenty guns from the top of 
the Catholic church dispelled all expectations of an 
engagement with Armijo's followers, and they 
peaceably marched into the town whiqh had been his 
birthplace and residence. The troops during this 
march had experienced something of the famed 
luxuries of a tropical climate. For sixty miles they 
had passed through vineyards laden with the most 
luscious grapes, along well-stocked ranches and com- 
fortable adobe houses. They had found apricots, 
pears, peaches, and melons in great abundance, 
while wild ducks, geese, cranes, swans, and pelicans 
were swarming in the Rio Grande. 

This expedition proceeded as far south as St. 
Tome, one hundred miles from Santa Fe. Instead 
of meeting with resistance they were often hospita- 
bly entertained by the inhabitants, who invited them 
to their feasts, religious celebrations, dances, races, 
and theatrical exhibitions, to which this season was 
usually devoted. And after an absence of twelve 
days, they returned to Santa Fe again without blood 
having been shed. 

During the expedition to St. Tome, the troops 
who had been left behind under Colonel Doniphan 
began the erection of Fort Marcy, on the hill north 



NEIV MEXICO AND SANTA F&. 97 

of the city. It was built of adobes of sufficient size 
to hold a garrison of one thousand men, and re- 
mains well preserved, completely commanding the 
city at the present time. 

Civil government was now established. A consti- 
tution and laws for the territory of New Mexico 
were drafted, translated into Spanish by one of the 
American ofificers, Captain David Waldo, and pub- 
lished on an old government printing-press found in 
the capital. Charles Bent, of Taos, was appointed 
by General Kearney as the governor of the terri- 
tory, and Francis P. Blair, Jr., district-attorney. 
Some of the other officers v/ere Mexicans. 

Among the Indians who continued to come in 
great numbers to Santa Fe was the chief of the 
tribes of the savage Apaches, who desired to hold a 
council with the governor-general. He was assured 
that if his tribe would abstain from violence, robbery, 
and crime, and live peaceably toward their white 
brethren, they should be protected and defended 
the same as the New Mexicans. They departed 
with presents of blankets, knives, beads, mirrors, 
and other things acceptable to the squaws, promis- 
ing that they would be good and faithful citizens of 
the United States. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Doiiiphaii s Expedition to the Navajos. 

Reinforcements at Santa Fe — Price in command — Kearney's de- 
parture — A winter campaign — Crossing the Sierra Madre — 
Excelsior — Indian council — Speech of Sarcilla Largo — Indian 
logic — The treaty — Zuni and its buildings — The ancient city 
— Tokens of wealth. 

The Army of the West was now to be divided. 
The plan of the campaign was formed in accordance 
with original instructions. Colonel Doniphan, in 
command of all the forces in New Mexico, was to 
proceed southward into Chihuahua and Mexico, 
General Kearney with an inadequate force was to 
march westward to the shores of the Pacific and oc- 
cupy California, while Colonel Price, with troops not 
yet arrived, was to hold the capital and keep in sub- 
jection the neighboring pueblos. 

The forces in command of Colonel Sterling Price, 
who had recently resigned his seat in Congress as a 
member from Missouri to enter the war, was made 
up of one Missouri regiment of cavalry, one 
mounted extra battalion, and one battalion of Mor- 



EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 99 

mon infantry. He had about twelve hundred men. 
besides several pieces of artillery, and, like General 
Kearney's division, they had marched in detachments 
over the plains. The Mormon battalion, five hun- 
dred strong, were collected at Fort Leavenworth 
and entered the service of the United States, with 
the condition that they should march to the Pacific, 
two thousand miles distant, and after a service of 
one year should then be paid, discharged, and 
allowed to settle in the country after being joined 
by their families. No incidents worthy of note 
befell this second army which crossed the plains in 
Kearney's route. Colonel Price arrived in Santa Fe, 
after a march of fifty-three days, on the 28th of 
September, and his troops continued to arrive in 
detachments for several days. Kearney had set out 
on his expedition to the Pacific on the 25th of 
September. The Mormon detachment, therefore, 
passed south of Santa Fe to join Kearney's column. 
These reinforcements swelled the number of troops 
in New Mexico to thirty-five hundred men. Santa 
Fe was crowded with a motley throng of soldiers, 
visitors, traders, mountaineers, Mexicans, and Ind- 
ians. Its population at this time was estimated 
at fourteen thousand people. The troops were en- 
camped on the bare ground, the weather was rainy 
and cold, and great discomfort and sickness pre- 



lOO EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 

vailed. Several companies were sent to a grazing 
encampment on the mountains which divided the 
Pecos and the Del Norte, fifty miles from Santa Fe, 
beside a beautiful lake, where the rich grama grass 
and abundance of water soon recruited the animals. 
Other detachments were sent southv/ard to Abiquiu 
and Ceboletta, and the Santa Clara springs. 

On the nth of October a dispatch from General 
Kearney, one hundred and fifty miles west of Santa 
Fe, reported that information had reached him by 
the noted Kit Carson, one of General Fremont's 
men, that Commander Stockton, with five men-of- 
war of the Pacific Squadron, had taken possession of 
California, and that General Fremont had occupied 
Monterey, the capital of California, of which terri- 
tory he had been appointed temporary governor. 

Preparations for Colonel Doniphan's march to 
Chihuahua were in active progress, when he was 
ordered by General Kearney to invade forthwith the 
rich country of the Navajo Indians on the western 
and northern borders of New Mexico, and punish 
them for recent depredations on the frontier settle- 
ments of the territory, where they had driven away 
ten thousand cattle, killed seven or eight men, and 
taken many women and children as captives. This 
command was immediately obeyed, for winter was 
approaching, and the Navajo region was mountain- 



I 



EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJO S. lOl 

ous. Summoning the companies at Abiquiu and 
Ceboletta to proceed at once into this country by 
different routes, Colonel Doniphan, with the troops 
at the grazing encampment on the Pecos, set out 
from Santa Fe October 26th, leaving Colonel Price 
in command at the capital. 

The service now demanded of these troops was 
exceedingly arduous. They had received neither 
pay nor needful clothing. The route was unap- 
proachable for artillery. It was rocky and moun- 
tainous. The country at this season was hard to 
forage on account of snow, and they were obliged to 
pursue powerful Indian tribes among gorges and 
fastnesses of the towering peaks of the Sierra Madre 
range, to which the Indians were accustomed as to 
their native hills. Added to these hardships and 
perils in store for these hardy troops was the disap- 
pointment of their long-anticipated march to warmer 
regions, where they expected the honor and ex- 
citements of a campaign with General Wool, and of 
the subjugation of the*rich country of Chihuahua in 
conjunction with the Army of the Centre. 

The route chosen for the Navajo expedition led 
through the valley of the Rio Grande, by the 
villages of Albuquerque and Socorro. The 
weather was severe. There was but little forage 
and scarcely any fuel. The soldiers were obliged to 



I02 EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJO S. 

ford rivers, dragging their teams through the icy- 
water, and had only the scanty fuel of tufts of coarse 
grass with which to dry themselves after such ex- 
posures. Many were overcome by such hardships, 
fell sick, lost the use of their limbs, and died. Some 
were sent back to the towns, while the hardier ones, 
led on by their undaunted colonel, pushed forward 
to new perils from the rigors of the mountains. 

It was an expedition as arduous and exacting 
of courage and persistency as Hannibal's crossing 
the Apennines. It was now the 2d of November, 
which is often the coldest month of the year in New 
Mexico. Colonel Doniphan had arrived at Cervarro, 
having detached from his command three hundred 
men to protect a train of merchants and baggage 
wagons from a body of seven hundred Mexicans 
near Valverde, who were falsely reported as advanc- 
ing to attack them. Valverde had been chosen for 
the headquarters of the commissary and quarter- 
master departments of Colonel Doniphan's troops 
for their march into Chihuahua. Doniphan had 
pushed on to Cervarro near the river Puerco with a 
part of his staff to meet the command of Colonel 
Jackson, which left Santa Fe on the i8th of Sep- 
tember. In four days they had marched over one 
hundred miles to the rich pueblo of Laguna, con- 
taining two thousand inhabitants, where they were 



r 



' ' '\ i i 




EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJO S. 103 

kindly received and fed, and arrived at Ceboletta 
on the 30th of September. 

Having- been instructed to make a triple league of 
peace between the Navajos, Mexicans, and Pueblos, 
Colonel Jackson endeavored to accomplish this 
through Sandoval, a noted chief of one of the Navajo 
cantons. He acted as guide to Captain Reid, who 
was sent with only thirty men and three pack-mules 
carrying provisions, into the heart of the Navajo 
country. In a march of five days they passed over 
a route of appalling difficulties, through mountain 
gorges and fissures, up precipitous spurs, over ridges, 
and along paths threading precipitous ledges, where a 
single misstep would cause a fall of hundreds of feet 
below, and deliberately throwing themselves into 
the power of a marauding tribe of Indians, they 
at length came to an assemblage of five hundred of 
these savages. Instead of appearing suspicious, they 
entered with great zest into their dances and games, 
mingling and feasting with them in the most 
friendly way. One day's march from here into the 
heart of the mountains brought them to the chief, 
Narbona, seventy years old, and other elders of the 
tribe. These seemed anxious to obtain peace for 
their nation, and promised to send men to Santa Fe 
to make the desired treaty of friendship. After an 
absence of twenty days on their perilous adventure. 



I04 EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 

they safely returned to Ceboletta on the loth of 
November. 

Another detachment of troops had also been 
ordered into the Navajo country under Major 
Gilpin. These pursuing a different route started on 
the 22d of October. They followed the river Chama 
to its sources, and crossed the mountains which 
separated the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific 
oceans. Incredible difificulties were surmounted by 
these men, whose achievements in passing the Cordil- 
leras, as they were then called, which were higher 
than the Alps and covered with winters' snows, are 
worthy of the fame of Bonaparte's veterans. 
Having arrived at the San Juan, and travelled down 
its banks for forty miles, they found plenty of 
forage and Indians with numerous herds of horses, 
sheep, and other animals. They then traversed 
plains covered with gypsum, destitute of wood and 
water that could be used for drink. From these they 
ascended the Tunicha Mountains, so high that their 
summits could be seen at a distance of seventy-five 
miles from the San Juan. In climbing these, the 
men toiled over huge blocks of granite, waded into 
deep snows, drove their animals along precipices 
from v/hich they sometimes fell and were lost, or 
perished on the trail from excessive cold, 

"The fierce winds," says one of these veterans, 



EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 105 

" whistled along the ragged granite hills and peaks. 
The prospect was horrid. Half of the animals had 
given out and were abandoned. Thus were these 
men situated, half of them on foot, carrying their 
arms, stinted in provisions, destitute of shoes and 
clothing, and their way barricaded by eternal rocks 
and snow. Sometimes after lying down at night, 
wrapped in their blankets and the skins of wild 
beasts, before morning they would be completely 
enveloped in a new fall of snow, and would rise 
at day-dawn with benumbed limbs and bristling 
icicles frozen to their hair and long whiskers. They 
persevered. This night's encampment was on the 
bare summit of the Tunicha Mountains, where there 
was neither comfort for the men nor food nor 
v.ater for the horses. The desolateness of the place 
was dreadful. The descent on the i6th was even 
more terrible than the ascent had been on the pre- 
vious day."* 

On the 19th of November, Major Gilpin, leaving 
Captain Waldo with a part of his command, 
effected a junction with Colonel Doniphan at Bear 
Spring, where he had arrived by a similar passage of 
the colossal peaks of the Sierra Madre with Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Jackson's command of one hundred 
and fifty men. 

'" " Doniphan's Expedition, ' by John T. Hughes. 



io6 EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 

A council of five hundred Navajos and one hun- 
dred and eighty Americans now began on the 2 1st 
of November, at Bear Spring. Colonel Doniphan 
explained, through an interpreter, the intentions 
and wishes of his government. A young but bold 
chief, Sarcilla Largo, spoke for the Navajos. 
Captain Waldo arrived on the 22d to increase the 
assemblage. Colonel Doniphan, again in the coun- 
cil, promised the protection of the United States to 
the Navajos, his government claiming now the 
whole country by right of conquest. He demanded 
of them a lasting peace between themselves, the 
Americans, and the New Mexicans. If this was 
refused, he was instructed to prosecute war against 
them. 

The same young chief replied again as follows : 

" Americans, you have a strange cause of war 
against the Navajos. We have waged war against 
the New Mexicans for several years. We have 
plundered their villages and killed many of their 
people, and made many prisoners. We had just 
cause for all this. 

"You have lately commenced a war against the 
same people. You are powerful. You have great 
guns and many brave soldiers. You have therefore 
conquered them, the very thing we have been at- 
tempting to do for many years. You now turn upon 



EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 107 

US for attempting to do what you have done your- 
selves. We cannot see why you have cause of quar- 
rel with us for fighting the New Mexicans on the 
West, while you do the same thing in the East. 
Look how matters stand. This is our %var. We 
have more right to complain of you for interfering 
in our war than you have to quarrel with us for con- 
tinuing a war we had begun long before you got 
here. If you will act justly, you will allow us to 
settle our own differences." 

To this piece of truthful Indian logic Colonel 
Doniphan replied that as New Mexico was now in 
full possession of his Government, and the people of 
New Mexico desired peace, the Indians were now 
making war upon the United States when they at- 
tacked their long-standing foes. This could not be 
suffered longer, but they might enjoy the privileges 
of trade with the Americans, and of education in 
the arts of civilized life, if they would become 
peaceable citizens. 

The Indian chief at last assented to the terms of 
the treaty, and promised to refrain from future wars 
upon the people of New Mexico. The treaty was 
duly signed by Colonels Doniphan and Jackson and 
Captain Gilpin, and by fourteen Navajo chiefs. 

Presents were now given to the chiefs by Colonel 
Doniphan, in return for which they presented him 



Io8 EXPEDITION TO THE NAVA'JOS. 

with a number of the famous Navajo blankets made 
by this tribe, in token of mutual friendship. Thus 
those who had been inveterate enemies for an un- 
known number of years were reconciled, and the 
powerful Navajos began to cultivate the arts of 
peace, to which they have been more and more in- 
clined since that time, until now they have so in- 
creased in flocks and herds and population as to be- 
come the most powerful Indian tribe of the South. 

The American troops returned in detachments to 
the Rio Grande. 

The route of Major Gilpin's command, which ac- 
companied Colonel Doniphan and the Navajo chiefs 
from the council, led to the old town of Zufii, where 
they arrived in two days' march from Ojo Oso. 
Zufii was a populous city in the time of Coronado's 
invasion of New Mexico in 1540, and still preserved 
the Aztec structures and plans of buildings. It had 
a population of six thousand, clothed in woollen 
blankets of their own manufacture, and supporting 
themselves by agriculture. They found this tribe 
honest, hospitable, and intelligent. They supplied 
the soldiers with various provisions and fruits, and 
showed much favor to the Americans. Their hatred 
to the Navajos manifested itself so strongly that 
Colonel Doniphan insisted on a treaty of peace with 
them, which after a long debate over their griev- 



EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 109 

ances was entered into, and thus two more tribes 
were reconciled. 

The appearance of Zuni is thus described by- 
Colonel Doniphan : 

" It is divided into four solid squares, having but 
two streets, crossing its centre at right angles. All 
the buildings are two stories high, composed of sun- 
dried brick. The first story presents a solid wall to 
the street, and is so constructed that each house 
joins, until one fourth of the city may be said to be 
one building. The second stories rise from the vast, 
solid structure, so as to designate each house, leaving 
room to walk upon the roof of the first story 
between each building. The inhabitants of Zuni 
enter the second story of their building by ladders, 
which they draw up at night as a defence against 
any enemy that might be prowling about. No 
doubt we have here a race living as did that people 
when Cortez entered Mexico. The country around 
the city of Zuni is cultivated with a great deal of 
care, and affords food, not only for the inhabitants, 
but for large flocks of cattle and sheep." 

After leaving Zuni on the 27th of November, 
Colonel Doniphan, in his march to Laguna near the 
head-waters of the Piscao, found the ruins of another 
ancient city more curious than the inhabited town 
of Zuiii. It was built entirely of stone, and was 



no EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. 

from Indian account two hundred years old. It 
had been deserted more than one hundred years. 
The marks of earthquakes and the products of 
volcanic eruptions surrounded the ruins. 

" The figure of the city," says the narrator of 
Doniphan's expedition, "was that of an exact 
square, set north and south, so that its four sides 
corresponded with the four cardinal points, being 
encircled with a double wall of stone fourteen feet 
apart. These walls were three stories high ; two 
entire stories being above ground, and the other 
partly above and partly below the surface. The 
space between these walls was divided into rooms of 
convenient size (about fourteen feet square), all 
opening into the interior. The remainder of the 
city, though much in ruins, appeared to have been 
built on streets running parallel to these walls. In 
the centre was a large square or plaza, which from 
its appearance might have been used for military 
parade grounds, and for corralling stock in the night- 
time. In these rooms large quantities of red cedar, 
which had been cut of convenient length for fire- 
places, were discovered in a state of entire preserva- 
tion, having been stored up for use more than a cen- 
tury. Colonel Doniphan and suite cooked their 
suppers and made their camp-fires with some of it, 
and then travelled on." 



EXPEDITION TO THE NAVAJOS. iii 

To accomplish this expedition into the heart of 
this strange country was one of the greatest achieve- 
ments of American soldiers. The cavalry, under 
command of Major Gilpin, from the time of leaving 
Santa Fe till they reached the rendezvous of Colonel 
Doniphan's command at Valverde, marched seven 
hundred and fifty miles in midwinter, over the 
highest mountain-ranges on the continent and into 
the country of the strongest Indian tribe west of 
the Rocky Mountains, who claimed a territory equal 
to that of Missouri, and could raise at any time 
fifteen hundred warriors from their population of ten 
thousand. Only two men died on the march from 
the hardships to which they were exposed, though 
one hundred and fifty horses and mules were lost. 

All along their march the soldiers perceived the 
indications of the vast mineral wealth of New Mexico 
and Arizona. Gold, silver, lead, and copper ores 
were constantly cropping out on the mountain-sides, 
giving evidence of the future wealth of this terri- 
tory when the white man should have possession. 



CHAPTER XII. 

The Occupation of Califorfiia. 

Across the continental divide — Kearney and Kit Carson— Apache 
Indians— The Pines — Conflict with Californians — The first 
bloodshed — Care for the wounded — Events in California- 
Insurrection — Conflict of authority —Battle near Los Angeles 
— Fremont relieved — The homeward route. 

General Kearney left Santa Fe on the 25th of 
September on his march to California. To reduce 
this great province he took with him a force of three 
hundred dragoons, with baggage and provision 
wagons containing supplies for sixty-five days. A 
formidable journey of eleven hundred miles was 
before him ere he could reach the Pacific coast. It 
would lead him over the highest mountains in the 
country, and on trails known only to the guides he 
might enlist in his service from the Indian tribes 
through whose country he should pass. 

For ten days his route led through the valley of 
the Rio Grande del Norte. He met no opposition 
from the inhabitants, who viewed with . astonish- 
ment an armed force passing quietly through a 



THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 113 

hostile country, not only without committing depre- 
dations, but paying in full for all provisions and 
forage. 

On the 6th of October General Kearney happily 
met a party of fifteen men led by Kit Carson, who 
was the bearer of dispatches to Washington an- 
nouncing the quiet occupation of California by the 
Americans. 

Such tidings could but disappoint and dampen 
the spirits of Kearney's command. The great object 
of their adventure was already attained by others. 
There was, however, much more to be accomplished, 
and they pushed on to the Pacific. Kit Carson was 
urged to return as a guide to the expedition over the 
route he had just traversed. The faithful scout 
turned his back upon the expected meeting with his 
family in the eastern settlements after many years 
of separation, and entered anew upon the arduous 
journey. 

The force was now reduced to one hundred men. 
The rest of the command, giving up the best part of 
their outfit to their companions, returned under 
Major Sumner to winter at Albuquerque. Pack- 
mules and sumpter-horses were substituted for 
wagons, and the artillery reduced to a few howit- 
zers. 

On the 13th of October the United States mail 



114 THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 



1 



was brought in to the company for the last time, a.nd 
all communications were closed with the East. The 
next day's march brought them to a celebrated cop- 
per-mine in Chihuahua, rich with gold-bearing ore, 
where the remains of forts and furnaces were in a 
good state of preservation. As they passed the Gila 
River they met several Apache chiefs, who sought 
in vain an alliance with the Americans for the capture 
of Chihuahua and Sonora. As they entered upon 
the valley of the San Francisco River, the scenery 
became wild and rugged, but from the mountains 
near the Sierra del Buso much rich pasturage was 
discerned among the valleys and on the highlands. 
The numerous canons made the passage with howit- 
zers and pack-mules exceedingly difficult. Some- 
times the artillery was precipitated into the deep 
defiles, and the plains were gullied with numerous 
arroyos and channels of mountain-torrents. 

The Apaches grew more shy of the advancing col- 
umn as it penetrated farther into the western wilds, 
watching its progress from distant peaks, but holding 
no communication with the troops. On the loth of 
November they passed an extensive ruin, called the 
Hall of Montezuma, surrounded by lands once irri- 
gated and cultivated. It was bounded on the north 
by a terrace one hundred yards long and seventy 
yards wide, from the top of which rose a watch- 



THE OCCUFATIOX OF CALIFORNIA. 115 

tower in the form of a pyramid eight feet high and 
twenty-five yards square at the top. Near this ruin 
were the Pino Indian villages. 

The Pino tribe were found to be a peaceable, vir- 
tuous, and honest race, sustaining themselves wholly 
by agriculture, and clothed in woollen and cotton 
material manufactured by themselves. Their hos- 
pitality would not allow them to take compensation 
for bread and provisions which they freely furnished 
to the soldiers. They lived in thatched and mud- 
covered lodges in winter and in temporary arbors in 
summer, and claimed to be descended from the 
numerous population of whose habitations there were 
many relics in the ruins and pieces of pottery which 
were scattered over the extensive plains wdiere they 
dwelt. 

A ten days' march from these villages brought 
the expedition to the confluence of the Gila and 
Colorado rivers. Here the column fell in with a 
few Cahfornians who reported a body of inhabitants 
of the province, hostile to the Americans, at Los 
Angeles. At San Diego was another battalion, 
numbering two hundred, who were friendly to the 
new government. A march through a desert for 
several days now occasioned the troops much suffer- 
ing and the loss of many animals. While camping 
at a ranch about sixty miles from San Diego, Gen- 



Ii6 THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 

eral Kearney learned that Commodore Stockton 
with the great part of his naval force was at San 
Diego. Kearney therefore sent forward a dispatch 
to Commodore Stockton announcing his approach, 
and on the 5th of December an escort of thirty-five 
men, with Captain Gillespie and Lieutenant Beall, of 
the United States Navy, met General Kearney, and 
reported in full the operations of the United States 
forces on the Pacific coast. 

Still pursuing his march, General Kearney en- 
countered the next day the first hostile movements 
of the people he had come to subjugate. One 
■hundred and sixty armed Californians, led by a 
brother of the late Governor Pico, engaged his troops 
in a cavalry fight on an open plain. The parties 
in this conflict were about equal in strength and 
bravery ; but under their skilful leader the Ameri- 
cans, after a sharp conflict with these bold horsemen, 
who were finely mounted, checked their furious 
charge and drove them from their position. They 
had, however, inflicted a serious loss upon Kear- 
ney's command. The general himself was wounded, 
and three of his best officers, Captains Johnston 
and Moore and Lieutenant Hammond, were killed, 
with fifteen non-commissioned officers and privates. 
General Kearney, during the long march, had greatly 
endeared himself to his troops. He walked with his 



THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. Ii^ 

men on foot, giving his own horse to the sick, whose 
feet were blistered, or who from exhaustion were un- 
able to proceed farther. After this fight he showed 
the same unselfish regard for his fallen comrades. 
He was bleeding at three wounds when the surgeon 
offered to relieve him. " First go and dress the 
wounds of the soldiers, who require attention more 
than I do," he replied, " and when you have done, 
then come to me." Not long afterward the sur- 
geon saw him fall backward exhausted by the loss 
of blood, and hastened to restore him and dress his 
wounds. 

Without any further opposition to their march, 
the column arrived at San Diego on the 12th of 
December. The Mormon battalion, who with 
various adventures accomplished the same march 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cooke, 
did not reach San Diego till the close of January, 

1847. 

A junction had now been made at San Diego on 
the 1 2th of December between the naval forces 
under Commodore Stockton and those which were 
ordered to enter California by the overland route. 
This was in accordance with Secretary Marcy's in- 
structions under date of June, 1846. The design 
of the Administration was that the naval forces 
dispatched to the Pacific should take possession of 



fl8 THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 

the ports and towns along the coast before the 
arrival of Kearney, and convey the arms, ordnance, 
and provisions needed by him in the subjugation of 
the province. But California had been reduced to 
submission more easily than had been expected. 

The town of Monterey had been captured without 
bloodshed by Commodore John D. Sloat, in com- 
mand of the Pacific squadron, who had without 
special instructions occupied this place as soon as 
he heard of the war between his country and 
Mexico. Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont, then sta- 
tioned on San Francisco Bay near Sonoma with the 
topographical corps who had accompanied him on 
the overland route from Missouri early in 1846, had 
raised the flag of the Union, and aided by a few Cali- 
fornians had taken a few settlements and towns in 
his vicinity in the name of his government. A vol- 
unteer corps of American emigrants, commanded by 
General Ide and Captain Grigsby, had also begun a 
revolution under an independent flag at Sacramento, 
with the intention of co-operating with the United 
States in capturing the whole country. 

Commodore Sloat was succeeded b}^ Commodore 
Stockton, who had established, by orders from 
Washington, a temporary civil government in Cali- 
fornia, and continued the blockade of the bays and 
ports of San Francisco, Monterey, and San Diego, 



THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 119 

Thus the Mexican Government of the provhice of 
California had been overturned, the governor himself 
driven with a part of his forces to the mountains, 
and the Mexican commander. General Castro, had 
escap.ed to Sonora, leaving a proclamation to the 
inhabitants, promising to return and free the prov- 
ince from its invaders. California was, apparently, 
in the hands of the Americans, but at the date of 
Kearney's arrival in San Diego, December 12th, 
insurrections were in progress in several parts of the 
province. Los Angeles, the new capital under the 
American regime, had just been recaptured by six 
hundred Californians under Don Manana Flores 
and Don Andres Pico. The Americans had been 
driven from the interior to the seaboard, and the 
insurgents were trying to re-establish the former 
government. 

In this condition of affairs, it was determined to 
march the marine force under Commodore Stockton 
together with General Kearney's command from 
Diego against Los Angeles, a distance of one hun- 
dred and forty-five miles. This march was begun 
December 29th, under the joint command of Stock- 
ton and Kearney. The force consisted of a detach- 
ment of the United States dragoons, a battery of 
artillery, and sixty volunteer mounted riflemen 
under Captain Gillespie. 



I20 THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 

On the 8th of January the insurgents, to the num- 
ber of six hundred, with four pieces of artillery, dis- 
puted the passage of the river San Gabriel. After 
an action of an hour and a half, the American troops 
waded through the water without firing a shot till 
they could charge up the bank, when the insurgents 
were driven from their position and fled. The next 
day the Californians concealed themselves in a ravine 
until the Americans were within gunshot, and then 
furiously charged upon them, but were again re- 
pulsed and defeated. The loss of the United 
States forces in both engagements was two killed 
and fifteen wounded. The Californians numbered 
about eighty in their casualties. On the loth of 
January, Los Angeles was again in the possession of 
the Americans, and the insurgents were driven to 
the surrounding hills. 

Meanwhile Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont, with a 
hundred men, had been making a forced march from 
Santa Barbara to San Fernandino, in the hope of 
co-operating with General Kearney. He met Pico 
with a few insurgents, and, not knowing what had 
transpired, received him in surrender on terms which 
secured him from the consequences of his broken 
parole. As military commander of California, on 
the 1 2th of January he proclaimed a cessation of 
hostilities, and comxmissioners of peace, appointed 



THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 121 

by Fremont and Pico, made a treaty which prom- 
ised tranquillity to California and ended the revolu- 
tion under Flores. 

General Kearney and Commodore Stockton now 
returned with their forces to San Diego. To ac- 
complish this march of one hundred and fifty miles 
and leave none of his command behind, Kearney 
walked the whole distance on the hot, dusty road 
with his common soldiers, while an exhausted pri- 
vate rode his horse. On the 25th of January he sent 
Captain Emory to Washington via the Isthmus, as 
bearer of dispatches relating to the subjugation of 
California. 

About this time the Mormon battalion arrived. 
Taking a route through Sonora they intersected 
Kearney's trail at the Pino Indian settlement. 
Here the chief of this honest tribe delivered to 
Lieutenant-Colonel Cooke, in command of this de- 
tachment, twenty-two mules which General Kearney 
had abandoned at different places, and also a letter 
and a bale of Indian goods which Kearney had left 
for Cooke when he should arrive. ' ' The Sonorans, 
said the chief, ' ' have endeavored several times to pre- 
vail on me, both by promises and threats, to deliver 
this property up to them, but I would let none of 
them have it, except my friend General Kearney or 
some of his people." In commendation for this, the 



122 THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 

chief and his tribe were promised the friendship and 
good opinion of the Americans. 

Tliis chief told their visitors that their first 
parents were caught up to heaven, and from that 
time God lost sight of them, and they wandered to 
the West ; that they came from the rising sun. He 
assured General Kearney " that God had placed him 
over his people, and he endeavored to do his best 
for them. He gave them good advice, and they had 
fathers and grandfathers who gave them good advice 
also. They were told to take nothing but what 
belonged to them, and ever to speak the truth, de- 
siring to be at peace with every one," 

On the arrival of the Mormon detachment, Gen- 
eral Kearney proceeded to Monterey to settle im- 
portant questions in the government of California 
and harmonize conflicting authority. Commodore 
Shubrick had now succeeded Commodore Stockton 
in the naval command. Lieutenant-Colonel Fre- 
mont, in command of the California battalion, under 
appointment of Stockton, was acting as temporary 
governor at Los Angeles, while Kearney's com- 
mand of the newly arrived Mormon troops was at 
San Diego. 

At Monterey the naval officers recognized the 
authority of General Kearney as given by his instruc- 
tions from Washington. On the ist of March he 



THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 123 

therefore assumed the governorship, and issued a 
proclamation to the inhabitants of CaHfornia, prom- 
ising to them protection for their reh'gious institu- 
tions, their persons and property, reparation of 
losses to individuals incurred by the enforced occu- 
pation of California by the United States, and free- 
ing them from all further allegiance to Mexico, 
whose rule had involved them in great domestic 
convulsions. He assured them of a speedy territo- 
rial government under which they should enjoy the 
rights of American citizens, and closed this appeal 
with these auspicious words : 

"Americans and Californians ! from henceforth 
one people ! Let us then indulge one desire, one 
hope ; let that be for the peace and tranquillity of 
our country. Let us unite like brothers, and 
mutually strive for the improvement and advance- 
ment of this one beautiful country, which within a 
short period cannot fail to be not only beautiful, 
but also prosperous and happy." 

Governor Fremont was now summoned to yield 
up the state papers and muster his California 
troops into the United States service. This they 
refused to enter, and Colonel Fremont was relieved 
from command by Lieutenant-Colonel Cooke, by 
orders of General Kearney, who had proceeded to 
Los Angeles on the 12th of May. United States 



124 THE OCCUPATION OF CALIFORNIA. 

troops were now stationed at San Diego, San Luis 
Rey,Los Angeles, and Monterey. The ports of Gu- 
yamas and Mazatlan were blockaded by the naval 
squadron under Commodore Biddle. Then, leaving 
California in the control of Colonel R. B. Mason, 
commander-in-chief of the United States forces and 
temporary governor, General Kearney set out on 
the 31st of May to return overland to the United 
States by the way of the Southern Pass and Fort 
Leavenworth. In his party of forty men were 
Colonel Fremont and his topographical corps. 
They arrived at Leavenworth on the 22d of August. 
Thence General Kearney proceeded to Washington, 
and soon joined General Scott's division of the 
army in southern Mexico. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
The Invasion of Chihuahua. 

Recapitulation — Preparations for the expedition — Tiie march 
begun — Scenes in the desert — -Christmas festivities — -A new 
shuffle of cards — Meeting the IVIexicans in arms — The first 
battle — Victory of Brazito— Results— Capture of El Paso. 

VVe have followed the Army of the West from 
its rendezvous at Fort Leavenworth to the end of 
its overland march to the Pacific coast. It has 
seized the northern half of Mexico, to gain which 
was the motive of the war. New Mexico has been 
captured. The Indian tribes of this territory and 
of Arizona have been subjugated with the Mexican 
inhabitants. The destinies of the rich province of 
Upper California have been forever linked with 
those of the American Union, to whose wealth and 
prosperity it will speedily contribute in fabulous 
measure. 

The work assigned to the Army of the West is 
not yet fully accomplished. It must, in conjunction 
with General Wool, who is supposed to be approach- 
ing from the south, invade and reduce the impor- 



126 THE INVASION OF CHIHUAHUA, 

tant Mexican province of Chihuahua. This difficult 
task was intrusted to Colonel Doniphan. His men 
were impatient to undertake this service. After 
his return from the Navajo country, while the events 
already recorded were transpiring under Kearney's 
direction in California, Colonel Doniphan gathered 
his forces for the southward march. Leaving only 
enough properly to protect and garrison the capital 
of New Mexico and other points in the territory, he 
ordered ten pieces of artillery and one hundred and 
twenty-five men from Santa Fe. Two companies 
of light artillery under Captain Weightman and 
Major Clark also joined the invading force. The 
quartermaster and commissary departments were 
well provided with supplies. 

On the 14th of December the march was begun 
by Major Gilpin with two hundred men in advance, 
followed by Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson with the 
same number on the i6th, and three days after 
Colonel Doniphan brought up the rear with provi- 
sion and baggage trains. Again with an absurdly 
weak force did the American army attempt to enter 
populous provinces which, in the belief of the 
Mexican population, would speedily take up and 
destroy them. 

The great desert, called Jornada del Muerto, ex- 
tending from Fray Christobel to Robedo, a distance 



/ 



THE INVASION OF CHIHUAHUA. 127 

of ninety miles, lay in the line of their march. The 
ordinary terrors of this wilderness of sand, where 
there is not a particle of grass, and which is well 
named The Journey of the Dead, were increased by 
the extremely cold weather which now prevailed. 
With neither wood nor water, in the face of pierc- 
ing cold winds, by day and night the columns strug- 
gled along the gravelly trail for three days. The 
men were allowed scarcely any repose, and had no 
warm food. Lighting up the road by setting fire to 
bunches of amole, or soap-weed, a kind of stunted 
palm, the teamsters urged forward their animals by 
the flashes of light thus produced. The soldiers, who 
had halted for a little rest, were roused at dawn to 
pursue their exhausting march, hungry and cold. It 
was well that man and beast entered upon this con- 
flict with the desert, and with hunger, thirst, and 
cold, at the beginning of their march, when fortified 
by long recruiting from their Indian service. Many 
would otherwise have perished. 

At Doiia Ana, a small Mexican town beyond the 
desert, the three divisions were again united, and 
finding here abundant grain, forage, and provisions, 
they were soon in good heart for the march. They 
had now entered the boundaries of Chihuahua, and 
apprehended speedily a hostile attack. Mexican 
spies were hovering about them, two of whom were 



128 THE INVASION OF CHIHUAHUA. 

shot by some of the advance guard as they were 
trying to escape. 

Christmas day found the men in high spirits and 
eager for a meeting with the enemy. They had ar- 
rived at Brazito on the march to El Paso, and had 
halted on the east bank of the river on an open plain, 
bordered next the mountain and river by a mes- 
quite and willow thicket or chaparral. The trains 
were straggling in the rear, and the officers of the 
guard were engaged in card-playing, when a cloud of 
dust in front suddenly indicated that the enemy were 
approaching. The group watched for a few moments 
the dust, but continued their game. Suddenly 
plumes and banners flashed through the cloud. 
There was now no doubt as to who were approach- 
ing, and dashing down their cards, Colonel Doni- 
phan, officers, and men flew to their positions, as the 
loud assembly call rang out to the scattered men 
and straggling groups in the rear. Dropping wood, 
water-buckets, and every other incumbrance, the men 
fell into line under the nearest standards, and the 
Missouri regiment was marshalled in quick time for 
their first view of the enemy. 

The Mexicans were now drawn up in fine array 
on the right and left of Colonel Doniphan's force. 
Five hundred regular dragoons from Vera Cruz, in 
bright uniforms of blue and green with red trim- 



/ 



THE INVASION OF CHIHUAHUA. 129 

mings, held the Mexican right wing ; eight hun- 
dred Chihuahua volunteers were on their left with 
four pieces of artillery. Their brass helmets, plumes 
of horse-hair, and bright swords and lances glittered 
threateningly in the sunlight. 

While the contending forces paused for a moment 
before the clash of battle, Colonel Doniphan in a 
few calm but assuring words incited his men to win 
the victory. A Mexican aid now dashed forward to 
within sixty yards of the American line, bearing a 
black flag from General Ponce de Leon, to summon 
the American commander to appear before him. 
The interpreter sent forward by Colonel Doniphan 
replied, " If your general desires peace, let him 
come here." " Then we will break your ranks and 
take him," was the Mexican's answer. " Curses be 
upon you, prepare for a charge. We neither ask 
nor give quarter." And wheeling his horse he rode 
back to the Mexican lines, waving his black flag. 

The Mexican dragoons, at the trumpet's signal, 
charged boldly upon the American left, and were 
received by a deadly fire at short range, while 
sixteen mounted cavalrymen dashed upon the 
Mexicans, broke their ranks, and cut them down 
with their sabres. In the same manner a charge 
upon the commissary and baggage trains was repel- 
led by the armed wagoners with a well-directed fire. 



130 THE INVASION OF CHIHUAHUA. 

The Chihuahua infantry had now attacked the 
American right, and reached the chaparral from 
which they fired three rounds upon the Americans 
before advancing farther. Doniphan's troops re- 
ceived this fire with remarkable steadiness, throwing 
themselves to the ground at each discharge, till the 
impetuous Mexicans, confident of the effect of their 
bullets, had approached within sixty paces, crying 
out, Bitcno ! Bucno ! Then suddenly rising from 
their faces, the Missourians poured such a volley 
upon them that they staggered, turned, and fied in 
great disorder. 

Meanwhile the artillery was engaged upon the 
centre. The Mexicans advancing their line lost a 
brass six-pounder with ammunition, which was capt- 
ured by the Howard Artillery battalion, the ser- 
geant of which with a few men cut loose the dead 
horses and turned it upon its former masters. But 
one Mexican gun had been brought into action, when 
the Mexicans, repulsed at the same time on their right 
and left, broke their line and f^ed in a rout along 
the mountain-side, where they were pursued for a 
mile by a few mounted troops under Captains Reid 
and Walton. 

This battle of Brazito was begun at three o'clock 
on the afternoon of Christmas. Within sixty min- 
utes the enemy had fled, and the scattered Americans 



/ 



y 



THE INVASION OF CHIHUAHUA. 131 

had returned to their position with a loss of a few 
horses, eight men wounded, and none killed. Five 
hundred American troops at the first onset fought 
with great steadiness fifteen hundred well-armed 
Mexicans, repelled their attack at every point, and 
inflicted with the aid of their comrades, who soon 
joined them, a loss upon the enemy of seventy-five 
killed and one hundred and fifty wounded. One piece 
of artillery, with a quantity of baggage, ammunition, 
and provisions, was captured, with which the victors 
completed their celebration of Christmas day. 

Among the wounded Mexicans was their brave 
commander. Ponce de Leon. The thicket was 
stained with blood, and many died in the night be- 
fore they were removed. The survivors were next 
day provided with a conveyance, and Doniphan's 
troops proceeded on their march to El Paso, 
twenty-five miles distant. They encamped near a 
small lake ten miles from the town, and during 
the night many Mexicans fled from their hiding- 
places in the mountains to El Paso. Here great 
confusion prevailed in anticipation of another at- 
tack. On the 27th, as Doniphan was drawing near, 
he was met, within six miles of the place, by a dele- 
gation of citizens. They bore a white flag, and sued 
for peace and protection, offering the surrender of 
the town. That night the American troops entered 



132 THE nWVASION OF CHIHUAHUA. 

the city without opposition. El Paso was an im- 
portant point. It was the key to New Mexico, and 
had been guarded by a force of two thousand seven 
hundred and forty Mexican troops and armed citi- 
zens. Colonel Doniphan found, confined in dun- 
geons there, three American merchants who had 
been betrayed by a guide and delivered over as spies 
to the Mexican authorities. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

El Paso and the Desert March. 

Captures in El Paso — Reconciliation of citizens — Diversions of 
soldiers — The carnival of wolves — Act of clemency — Ordered 
to Chihuahua — Privations of the desert — Hunger, thirst, and 
flames — Night scouting — The Governor's hacienda — The 
enemy in sight. 

The victory of Brazito was a heavy blow to the 
government of Chihuahua. The invaders had met 
a well-organized force of the best troops that could 
be brought into the field, and had completely de- 
feated them, though nearly twice their number. 
Mexican courage was weakened, and the constant 
boasting and high-sounding proclamations of their 
leaders hurling wordy contempt and slanders on 
the Americans now failed to arouse any enthusi- 
asm. The fate of El Paso rested on the battle of 
Brazito. It was an opportune capture for the army 
of the invaders. They found here in store several 
hundred thousand fenegas of corn and wheat, and a 
great amount of hay and other fodder, A search 
for arms and ammunition resulted in the collection 



134 EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 

of twenty thousand pounds of powder, lead, cart- 
ridges, and shot, five hundred stand of small arms, 
four hundred lances, four pieces of cannon, and sev- 
eral banners. At a point twenty-two miles below El 
Paso, where a strong body of Mexicans had been 
posted, several wagon-loads of ammunition and one 
field-piece were also captured. 

The provisions, on which the soldiers now began 
to recruit after their privations included every variety 
of fruit, wine, and sweetmeats. All these and forage 
for the horses were, by orders of Colonel Doniphan, 
scrupulously paid for. Instead of bringing robbery 
and pillage upon their city, the inhabitants found 
that the American troops maintained great respect 
for their property, and the citizens vied with one 
another in bestowing kindnesses and social attentions 
upon their captors. Those who had been wounded 
at Brazito were on the best of terms with their re- 
cent enemies on the streets of El Paso, though they 
had fought under a black flag. Thus the hostility 
of the inhabitants was quelled by restraint from 
violence and crime, and the militaiy government of 
the Americans was apparently preferred to that of 
the Mexican Republic. 

The strong system of defences constructed near 
the city might have availed for some delay in the 
capture of El Paso, had not the commander of the 



EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 135 

Mexican forces been ill. General Leon, who had 
taken command, was declared to have led his men 
rashly to defeat at Brazito. In a few days there 
were signs of discontent at the situation among 
some of the people. On the loth of January evi- 
dences were found of the existence of a conspiracy 
to bring about an insurrection, in conjunction with 
one attempted at Santa Fe. The conspiracy v/as 
defeated, but the army were put on a closer guard, 
and the discipline in preparation for their march 
upon Chihuahua was made much more strict. 

Among the diversions of the soldiers was the cor- 
ralling one night of a pack of wolves that had come 
down from the mountains, attracted by the scent of 
cattle which had been slaughtered for the troops in a 
high inclosure. Leaping over the walls, they gorged 
themselves with blood and offal, but when inside 
found the walls too high to allow an escape. The 
soldiers the next day sprang in among them with 
their swords, and on the bloody arena, much to the 
amusement of their comrades, fought their victims, 
who turned upon them in a vain struggle for life. 

Colonel Doniphan was a popular and kind-hearted 
commander. An instance of clemency occurred at 
El Paso which, under other circumstances, could not 
have been expected or allowed. Two soldiers on 
guard had fallen asleep during the night, and their 



136 EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 

guns had been taken from them by the officer of the 
guard. Arrested and brought before Colonel Doni- 
phan, they were sternly charged with the high offence, 
which had imperilled the safety and lives of all their 
fellow-soldiers, and the honor of their country. 
" We are sensible," they pleaded, " of the enormity 
of our offence. But, tired and exhausted, we could 
not preserve our wakefulness. We will endeavor 
not to commit a similar ofTence in the future." 

" Then go," said the commander, " and hereafter 
be good soldiers and faithful sentinels. I will ex- 
cuse you for the present." They departed, and 
were never at fault again. 

El Paso was situated in one of the most beautiful 
and fertile spots in the whole province. Shut in by 
mountains on the east and west, which draw to- 
gether to the river, it was isolated from other 
Mexican settlements. But its rich valley was filled 
with every luxury of fruit and vegetation. In this 
city of eight thousand inhabitants the troops were 
delayed for forty-two days waiting for increased artil- 
lery forces, which were ordered to follow Doniphan 
ere he left Santa Fe. 

Major Clark, with one hundred and seventeen men 
and six field-pieces, arrived on the 1st of Febru- 
ary, and on the 8th the little army of one thou- 
sand men, with merchant and commissary trains, 



EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 137 

were on their march to the city of Chihuahua. No 
tidings could be learned of General Wool, to whom 
Colonel Doniphan had orders to report. The States 
of Chihuahua and Durango were in arms to oppose 
this little army. Deserts which must yet be crossed 
would prevent a successful retreat. A cruel enemy, 
fighting under a black flag, would not spare any 
captives. It was a question of victory or death. 
But neither these soldiers nor their commander were 
daunted by such perils. It appeared far greater to 
their friends in Missouri, who knew that General 
Wool was not in Chihuahua to meet them, than to 
the troops themselves. Apprehensions of the fatal 
result of this venturesome march were saddening 
all hearts at home. 

With cheerful obedience to orders, eager to ac- 
complish the grand object of their march from the 
Missouri River across the plains, they destroyed 
all the powder and munitions of war which had been 
captured by Doniphan in El Paso, and which could 
not be used by his own troops. Five influential 
citizens of El Paso were taken as hostages for the 
protection of citizens of the United States left 
behind. Colonel Doniphan also organized on the 
march an effective corps of traders and teamsters, 
numbering one hundred and fifty men, well armed, 
and having valuable possessions at stake in the trains. 



13S EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 

On the 1 2th of February, following the river, the 
army halted fifty miles below El Paso, on the borders 
of the great desert, sixty-five miles broad, wdiere the 
road, running through deep sand-drifts, was not sup- 
plied with one drop of water. Halting for one day 
to fill their haversacks and canteens,they left the Rio 
Grande on the 14th of February, and struck into the 
waste of sand that lay before them. The mules and 
wagons sank deep into the drifts. A dozen men 
tugged with tired mules at a single wagon, but 
twenty miles were passed before the first camp was 
made. At sunset of the next day the column passed 
through a canon of volcanic mountains traversing 
the desert from north to south. A scouting party 
was sent forward to Carrisal, a small town on the 
other side of the desert, -w-here a few Mexican troops 
had been stationed, but it had been abandoned by 
the garrison, and was surrendered by the Alcalde. 

The march of the little army still in the desert did 
not cease till midnight of this day. Though they 
had made twenty-four miles, it was still twenty-one 
miles to a lake, and the mules and horses were 
nearly perishing, and helplessly crying for it. 
They were started again at the first streaks of light, 
but many sank down exhausted, and v/ere abandoned. 

The column had come within five miles of the 
Laguna de los Patos, when the men, burning with 



EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 139 

thirst, broke into a run to reach the lake. The 
teamsters finding it impossible to bring up their 
wagons, unhitched their animals ten miles away, and 
turned them loose, intending to leave their wagons 
sunk in the drifts, and thousands of pounds of flour 
and salt cast away in the desert. Just as all the wag- 
ons were about to be abandoned, a shower came 
providentially to their relief. A cloud burst upon 
the mountains toward the right of the trail, and the 
torrents rushing down their sides spread out upon 
the plains to revive man and beast. 

Halting here all night, the next morning they 
came to the lake, where already most of the men had 
gathered, and slaked their intense thirst. Their 
terrible sufferings were relieved for a little while, and 
the country became more inviting. Passing Carrisal 
eighteen miles distant, the force arrived at Ojo 
Caliente, or Warm Spring. Here the water, spring- 
ing from the base of a ledge of rocky hills, forms a 
basin one hundred and twenty feet long, seventy- five 
feet wide, and four feet deep. The water in the 
basin, whose bottom was covered with white sand, 
was warm and perfectly transparent, and officers and 
men were wonderfully revived by the luxurious baths 
which were thus afforded. 

But another desert was now to be passed, and in 
this another range of craggy mountains two thousand 



I40 EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 

feet high, whose tops were covered with snow. 
There the men encamped on plains where neither 
wood, water, nor grass were to be seen, and where 
they had to endure an extremely cold night. But 
the next day they came to the Guyagas Springs, 
which sent out cool, refreshing streams upon the 
plain. 

On the 25th of February they were pursuing their 
course along the borders of a lake twenty miles long, 
whose margin was incrusted with efiflorescent soda 
that was used by the troops as a substitute for 
saleratus. But a new danger met them here. The 
tall grass had caught from the camp fires, and, fanned 
by a strong wind, the flames were sweeping rapidly 
over the plain. The fire spread from their last en- 
campment at Guyagas Springs in the same way, and 
rushing over the mountains, descended into the 
valley like an army of demons. There it spread, till 
it became a roaring sea of flame twenty feet high, 
and advanced upon the train, skirting the lake shore. 
The ammunition wagons were in great danger. The 
fire gained upon the train, and it was necessary to 
run a part of it with the artillery into the lake. The 
road ran parallel to the lake. The men tried to 
trample the grass between the lake and the road and 
cut it down with their sabres, throwing it to the side 
of the opened space distant from the fire. Then set- 



EL PASO AND THE DESERT MARCH. 141 

ting a counter fire in the grass standing next to the 
wind, a space was burned toward the conflagration, 
which finally checked its progress on the lake side 
of the road. But it swept over the plain and over the 
mountain-sides, till all that could feed it was con- 
sumed, and men and animals camped another night 
without food or forage on the black and dreary plain. 
On the south-western side of this lake was the 
extensive hacienda of the governor of Chihuahua, 
heavily stocked- with immense herds of cattle and 
flocks of sheep. On the morning of the 25th seven 
hundred Mexican soldiers were seen guarding this 
property, and a scouting party was sent out that 
night to ascertain more fully the strength of their 
position and numbers. This party consisted of 
twenty-five Horse-guards under Captain Reid. To 
avoid the sentinels that they would be likely to meet 
in the roads, these men ventured to ford the lake 
itself in the night, though it was three miles wide 
and had been considered impassable. This daring 
feat was accomplished, and they cautiously ap- 
proached the walls of the hacienda. Hindered by 
these walls from ascertaining what was within, they 
suddenly made a bold dash into the enclosure, and 
took possession of the place. They found several 
hundred inhabitants, but no soldiers. They had 
started but an hour before for Sacramento, where 



142 EL PASO AND THE DESENT MARCH. 

the enemy had a strongly fortified position, and were 
awaiting the approach of the Americans. 

Being lavishly entertained by the superintendent 
of the hacienda, they remained here during the night, 
and rejoined the main column the next day. 

As the Mexicans were now so near, another scout- 
ing party of six or eight officers was sent forward nine 
or ten miles, to ascertain their strength. From a high 
peak within five miles of the Mexican encampment, 
they had a full view with field-glasses of their posi- 
tion, so that their batteries could be counted and 
their force estimated. Colonel Doniphan then made 
a plan for the conduct of the march the next day, 
and on Sunday, the 28th of February, the whole 
force arrived in sight of the enemy, four miles dis- 
tant. 



CHAPTER XV. 

TJie Battle of Sacramento. 

The line of march — Position of the enemy — Opening of the battle 
— Storming the intrenchments — Rout of the Mexican cavalry 
— Flight of the troops — Spirit of the troops — Spoils of the 
victors. 

The little invading army was soon to confront the 
strongest force which the proud province of Chihua- 
hua could raise for the defence of its beautiful capi- 
tal. One thousand one hundred and sixty-four men, 
all Missouri volunteers, were marching between and 
in front of the four parallel lines of wagons thirty 
feet apart, which constituted the train of this Spar- 
tan band that dared to assail a great province. The 
horsemen rode in front. In this order they approach- 
ed the Mexican forces occupying the brow of a rocky 
hill between the river Sacramento and a deep, dry 
arroyo. Their position was fortified by twenty-eight 
strong redoubts and intrenchments. Within these, 
according to the Mexican adjutant-general's report, 
which was captured after the battle, were four thou- 
sand two hundred and twenty men, commanded by 



144 THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 

Major-General Jose A. Heredia, aided by Generals 
Conde, Ugarte of the Mexican cavalry, Justimane of 
the infantry, and Angel Trias of the artillery, who 
was also governor and leading the Chihuahua troops. 

The Mexicans were so confident, as they might 
well be, in the superiority of their numbers over the 
American troops, and in the strength of their posi- 
tion, that they had provided strings and handcuffs 
with which to drive them as prisoners to the City 
of Mexico. They moreover regarded these earth- 
works as the real defences of Chihuahua, which was 
but eighteen miles distant. 

Colonel Doniphan, fully aware of the immense dis- 
advantage he must overcome, boldly advanced his 
troops along the main road upon the enemy's front, 
till within a mile and a half of his works. Then 
turning to the right to avoid the range of the Mexi- 
can batteries, he crossed the arroyo and approached 
his position from the west, where the ascent of the 
hill was most narrow. As the baggage trains closely 
followed the column in its passage of the rocky 
arroyo, the general in command of the Mexican 
cavalry, with twelve hundred men, galloped down 
from the fortified hill to commence the battle. 
They were received by a raking fire of canister shot 
from the guns of Major Clark and Captain Weight- 
man. Their ranks were thrown into disorder, and 



THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 145 

they fell back. A Mexican battery which had been 
hidden by their movement now vigorously replied 
to the American artillery, which was rapidly dis- 
charging twenty-five rounds to the minute. A ter- 
rific artillery fight continued for fifty minutes, in 
which all available cannon in the earthworks joined. 
It was strange that so few men were injured by the 
enemy's shot, which did fearful execution among 
the wagons and animals in the train. Many of the 
latter were killed, though their drivers escaped harm. 
General Conde was obliged to retire his cavalry 
within their intrenchments, and Colonel Doniphan 
improved the opportunity to make a vigorous attack 
upon the redoubts in his front. Discovering a body 
of three hundred lancers advancing upon his rear, 
he first dispatched the battalion of teamsters to 
check their approach, and then having already 
ordered a charge upon the fortifications, his lines 
moved rapidly up the rising ground under the 
fire of sixteen guns in the redoubts and the fort on 
Sacramento hill on the opposite side of the river. 
The American troops were within five hundred yards 
of the works, when the three cavalry companies on 
the left, led by Captains Reid, Parsons, and Hud- 
son, were ordered to carry the centre battery, which 
was sending the most effective shots into the Ameri- 
can ranks. 



146 THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 

By a misapprehension of the order, these com- 
panies were halted midway to the battery. It was 
a critical moment. If those gallant squadrons were 
faltering the day was lost. About twenty of Cap- 
tain Reid's company, led by their intrepid officer, 
v/ould not heed the order to halt, and leaping for- 
ward over the intervening ground, threw themselves 
upon the battery and captured it. The enemy 
rushed forward and succeeded in beating them back. 
The remainder of Captain Reid's company brought 
up a section of howitzers to the help of their com- 
rades. Captain Weightman unlimbered his guns 
within fifty yards of the enemy, and poured in upon 
them a tremendous fire of grape and canister. 

The Mexicans could not withstand this fire com- 
bined with the onset of the cavalry, and soon re- 
treated, leaving the battery again in possession of 
the Missouri horsemen, who held it while the two 
other companies simultaneously carried the intrench- 
ments on the left of Captain Reid and stubbornly 
held the ground. 

The right wing of the American battle line now 
vied with the left in assailing the intrenchments. 
These were bravely defended by the Mexicans. 
Lieutenant-Colonels Jackson and Mitchell ordered 
their men to dismount, and, supported by their sub- 
ordinate officers, they led them in a determined as- 



THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 147 

sault up to the cannon's mouth. These guns were 
enveloped in sheets of flame and smoke, so rapidly 
were they served. But the Americans, forgetful 
of everything but the intense desire for victory, 
climbed the ramparts and furiously attacked their 
enemies, who, amazed at such daring, fled from 
their works. 

The fort on the Sacramento Hill was also carried 
by a part of this right wing, and its destructive cross 
fire silenced. 

The left wing had now dismounted, and, led by 
Major Gilpin, they were clambering up the steeper 
heights, where the Mexicans had posted three brass 
four-pounders, protected by embankments and by 
ditches that were lined with troops. For a while 
they held their ground bravely against the assault- 
ing party, but they could not endure the demoniacal 
shouts and rush of the Americans in the charge. 
Pouring over the intrenchments, these furious troops 
snatched the matches from the hands of the Mexi- 
can artillerists, as they were in the act of discharging 
their pieces, and made them prisoners. Relentlessly 
pursuing those who escaped, they drove them from 
one rampart to another, till General Heredia, having 
rallied his men several times in vain, was obliged 
to retreat. Condi's cavalry formed their lines again 
and again to resist the Missouri squadrons, but 



148 THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 

were finally driven in confusion down the hill. 
Then, when the Mexicans were routed along their 
whole line, the Americans began a pursuit, fighting 
and slaughtering their foes till the darkness of 
night fell upon the scene. 

For three hours and a half these volunteer soldiers, 
who had met their enemy but once before in battle, 
engaged four times their number behind well-con- 
structed and heavily-armed intrenchments. They 
completely routed the army of Central Mexico, 
which lost three hundred and twenty men killed, five 
hundred and sixty wounded, and seventy-two made 
prisoners. Colonel Doniphan officially reported a 
loss of only one of^cer killed and eleven men wound- 
ed. The discrepancy can be accounted for only by 
the utter inaccuracy of the Mexican aim. 

The Mexicans retreated mainly toward Durayer, 
but without sufficient discipline to hold them to- 
gether ; they were so dispersed among the ranches 
and villages that they could never again be rallied. 
The captures of spoil by this victory were enormous. 
The specie, provisions, and ammunition gathered for 
such a large force fell into the hands of the Amer- 
icans, who were well-nigh overwhelmed with the 
amount of plunder. Among these captures were six 
thousand dollars in money, fifty thousand sheep, 
eleven hundred head of cattle, one hundred mules, 



THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 149 

twenty-five thousand pounds of ammunition, and ten 
cannon. 

There could not have been a more complete sur- 
prise to the Mexican people than this American vic- 
tory. On the hills in the vicinity a thousand non- 
combatants had gathered to witness the stirring 
scenes of a battle, and rejoice in the defeat of the 
foolhardy Americans. The Mexican priest Ortiz, 
who had accompanied Colonel Doniphan from El 
Paso as an hostage, said to Colonel Doniphan be- 
fore the battle, "Your force is too weak to con- 
tend against such a force as the Mexican army, 
and in so strong a position. You will all be inev- 
itably destroyed or captured and put into chains. 
The Mexicans will whip you without a doubt. 
I beg that you will permit me to remain out of 
danger." 

The colonel assured him of safety in either issue 
of the battle. After it was over, he said good- 
humoredly : 

" Well, Ortiz, what do you think now about the 
Mexicans whipping my boys ?" 

" Ah, sir, they would have defeated you if you 
had fought like men, but you fought like devils." 

The spirit of battle was incarnate in every one 
of these Missourians. A volunteer who had the care 
of seven horses, while their riders, having dismount- 



150 THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 

ed, were preparing to charge, called to Colonel Doni- 
phan as he was galloping by : 

" See here, Colonel, am I compelled to stand here 
in this tempest of cannon and musket-balls and hold 
horses ?" 

" Yes," he replied, " if you are detailed for the 
purpose." 

The volunteer tied the bridles together, saying with 
an oath, as he picked up his gun and sabre and 
started in the charge, " I didn't come here to hold 
horses. I can do that at home." 

A sergeant who was one of the first to leap into 
the intrenchments on the right found himself alone. 
Unable to reload his carbine and pistols, he threw 
them aside, and defended himself by hurling rocks 
at the foe, till he was rejoined by his comrades. 

As Colonel Doniphan rode from rank to rank 
before the action began, he said of his men : " I 
could see nothing but the stern resolve to conquer 
or die. There was no trepidation and no pale 
faces." 

Yet these men had been in the service nine 
months, marched two thousand miles, and had not 
had one dollar of pay. 

" They have had half rations, hard marches and 
no clothes," said their leader; "they curse and 
praise their country, but fight for her all the time !" 



THE BATTLE OF SACRAMENTO. 151 

After such heroic fighting and the exhausting 
pursuit of the panic-stricken Mexicans, the victors 
returned to the deserted camps within the intrench- 
ments to feast upon the luxurious fare which the 
citizens of Chihuahua had provided for their friends. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

CJiihuahiia. 

Scenes at the Capital— Triumphal entry — The city and its build- 
ings — Scouting through Mexico — Doniphan ordered to Mon- 
terey — Mustered out — Return to Missouri — The welcome of 
friends and countrymen. 

Chihuahua was now virtually in possession of the 
invaders. Colonel Doniphan without delay pushed 
forward to complete the triumph of his great victory. 
A detachment of one hundred and fifty men, com- 
manded by Captains Reid and Weightman with a 
section of artillery, was sent forward next day to take 
formal possession of the capital city of the province. 
They met no resistance. 

The excitement in Chihuahua during the battle 
had been intense. The cannonading could be dis- 
tinctly heard, and in the first lull of battle it was 
announced that the Mexicans were victorious. The 
American merchants in the city, who had been pre- 
viously exposed to taunts and threats of every kind 
of violence, were now sought for by the excited 
rabble, who carried knives, stones, and staffs, with 
murderous intent upon their lives. Soon, however, 



CHIHUAHUA. 153 

the noise of the guns arose above the excitement in 
the streets, and fears of the result began to take 
possession of the inhabitants. Toward night the 
firing grew nearer, and their terror increased. Amid 
the darkness a courier rode frantically into the city. 
"Perdonos ! Pcrdcmos .'"he cried — " We are lost ^ zee 
are lost .'" 

He was soon followed by the governor, the gen- 
erals and the fleeing soldiers, who pushed on to 
Parral and Durango in full retreat, leaving the 
frightened citizens to despair, in anticipation of the 
tortures which the " presumptuous invaders" would 
inflict upon them. 

As the American cavalry, but a handful of men, 
rode triumphantly into the city, led by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Mitchell, they waited tremblingly their fate, 
but without an act of violence peaceable possession 
was taken. The Americans camped in the Alameda 
or park during the night. 

Chihuahua when captured contained about twenty- 
five thousand inhabitants. Built in the times of the 
Spanish rule, and by capitalists who were attracted 
thither by the fabulous riches of the mines in the 
surrounding mountains, it had many splendid build- 
ings of stone and marble. Its streets were neatly 
paved and curbed with white porphyry, and on the 
elegant promenade were seats carved from the same 



154 CHIHUAHUA. 

material. A marble fountain and stone octago- 
nal basin were in the centre of the promenade. 
An aqueduct with tall white columns conducted 
water from the Chihuahua River to an eminence near 
the city, and thence to a reservoir in the centre of 
the town. It had a magnificent cathedral, built at 
a cost of a million dollars, from the tribute paid 
during thirty years by the mines of St. Eulalia, 
fifteen miles from the city. Its two steeples, rising 
one hundred feet above the azotea, are composed of 
columns finely carved, with statuary. The ruins of 
a still larger church were seen. Th&y had long been 
used as a pohtical prison. Within its square a 
monument of white hewn stone stood to the memory 
of Don Manuel Hidalgo, the illustrious patriot, who 
was here imprisoned three months and shot after 
his defeat at Guadalavara. 

On the morning of the 2d of March, Colonel 
Doniphan entered the city with fluttering banners 
and long trains of merchant wagons, and the cap- 
tured spoils. On the 8th he sent a resident of the 
city to offer to Governor Trias conditions of peace, 
which were, however, refused. Ten days after this 
the news of the battle of Buena Vista was received 
in Chihuahua, and though reported as a Mexican 
victory, it v/as heartily celebrated by Colonel Doni- 
phan as another triumph of American arms. 



CIIIIIUAIIUA. 155 

Seeking still to obey his instructions to report to 
General Wool, though the arduous task and abun- 
dant glory of the campaign in Chihuahua had fallen 
to himself instead of General Wool, Colonel Doni- 
phan chose fourteen trusty men and at imminent peril 
sent them forward with dispatches through the 
country. They rode six hundred and twenty-five 
miles, at the rate of about fifty miles each night, not 
being able to travel by day. In twelve days they 
arrived at Saltillo, and delivered the dispatches to 
General Wool. After reading them, Wool exclaimed 
with hearty commendation, " Missouri has acquitted 
herself most gloriously. Colonel Doniphan has fought 
the most fortunate battle and gained the most brilliant 
victory during the war." 

The party, increased to forty-two men, returned to 
Colonel Doniphan, arriving at Chihuahua about the 
23d of April. They bore orders from General Tay- 
lor to march his column forthwith from Chihuahua 
to Saltillo, and return to the United States by 
way of Matamoras and the Gulf. The news was 
received with acclamations of joy by the troops. 

On the 25th of April the battalion of artillery began 
this long march homeward. They were followed 
three days after by the merchant and baggage 
trains and the remainder of the troops. As he was 
departing from the city, Colonel Doniphan delivered 



156 CHIHUAHUA. 

to the Mexican authorities, who had ruled the city 
before its capture, all the prisoners of war, and then 
evacuated Chihuahua, leaving no vestige of its occu- 
pation for fifty-nine days by a foreign invader. 

The route of the southward march was by Bachim- 
bo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosalia at the junction 
of the Conchos and Florida rivers. Here they found 
strong but deserted fortifications surrounding the 
city. A reconnoitring party of one hundred cavalry 
were sent forward to Parras, five hundred miles dis- 
tant, to obtain information of hostile forces awaiting 
their approach. 

Their sufferings were not yet finished. They had 
a most enchanting march through the blooming 
valley of the Rio Florida, but when they reached the 
hacienda Dolores, seventy-five miles of travel through 
another desert awaited them. Amid the gloom of 
distant thunder storms sweeping over the mountains, 
in dense clouds of dust, without water and through 
the darkness of night, the march was continued till 
the soldiers sank down on the sandy plain, without 
supper or water, for two or three hours of sleep, amid 
the lizards and scorpions that everywhere abounded. 
As they resumed their way at daylight, their hard- 
ships are thus described by one of the number : 

" The dust was absolutely intolerable. The 
soldiers could not march in lines. They were now 



CHIHUAHUA. 157 

already become thirsty, and it was yet forty miles to 
water. The dust filled their mouths, and nostrils, 
and .eyes, and covered them completely. They 
were much distressed during the whole day. Many 
of them became faint and their tongues were swollen. 
The horses and often the refractory mules would 
fall in the sand, and neither the spur nor the point 
of the sabre was sufficient to stimulate them. After 
suffering every privation and distress by marching 
which men must necessarily experience in such a 
desert, they arrived at the springs of Santa Bernada 
at sunset. Here in groves of willows with abundant 
waters they rested." 

On the 8th of May, at Cadenas, the troops received 
the joyful news of General Scott's victory at Cerro 
Gordo. They found at Parras the citizens most 
kindly disposed by reason of the gallant services of 
the detachment sent in advance under Captain Reid, 
who had rescued from the Comanche Indians cap- 
tives and spoils made by a recent raid upon Parras 
by these savages. The whole force arrived in a five 
days' march from Parras at Encantada, near the 
battle-field of Buena Vista, and on the 22d of May, 
passing under review of General Wool, the command 
received from him the highest praise in a compli- 
mentary order recounting their services at Brazito, 
the Sacramento, and in their arduous marches. At 



158 CHIHUAHUA. 

Walnut Springs they were again reviewed by General 
Taylor, from whom they received orders to return to 
Missouri and be mustered out of service. 

The Mexican cannon captured at Sacramento 
were given to the troops as trophies to be conveyed 
to the State of Missouri and turned over to the 
governor, subject to the final disposition of the War 
Department. Leaving their sick at Monterey, send- 
ing forward their horses through Texas to Missouri, 
Colonel Doniphan, with seven hundred men, em- 
barked on the 9th of June in the ship Great Republic, 
and arrived safely in New Orleans on the 15th. 

In a service of twelve months, poorly clad and fed 
and mounted, they had traversed the plains of 
Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico ; climbed their 
towering mountain ranges ; marched through five 
great deserts of Mexico, and fought several battles, 
which were among the most brilliant of the war. 

As they passed up the Mississippi from New 
Orleans to St. Louis, these returning warriors, whose 
deeds had been heralded before them, received many 
expressions of sympathy and praise. Arrived at St. 
Louis, these rough, dishevelled, threadbare men had 
such honor and welcome from assembled thousands 
as is seldom the good fortune of soldiers to meet. 
Amid the caresses of friends, public and private re- 
ceptions, and the praises of their heroism and battles, 



CHIHUAHUA. 159 

such as Senator Thomas Benton and other Western 
orators could pour upon their heads, they at last re- 
turned to the quiet life of citizens of the Union, 
whose greatness and glory they had been permitted 
to increase by their own sacrifices and worthy deeds. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Tlie Storming of Monterey. 

Advance to Monterey — Its defences — Encampment at Walnut 
Springs — ^ Worth's movement — Cavalry skirmish — Anticipa- 
tions of battle — Night scenes — Preparations of the morning- 
Garland's assault — Capture of a fort — Quitman's charge — 
Mexican courage — Rain in the night — Fort Diabolo aban- 
doned — Entering Monterey — The Texan rangers. 

About the last of August, 1847, General Worth 
led the advance of General Taylor's forces toward 
Monterey, and occupied with his division a point 
near this stronghold of the Mexicans. He was fol- 
lowed on September 5th by General Twiggs with 
the centre division, and on the 17th General Quit- 
man's brigade set out with the rear of General 
Taylor's army from the Rio San Juan. The route of 
the army lay from Camargo to Monterey, a distance 
of one hundred and eighty miles, through a dreary 
desert region, and was traversed under the oppres- 
sive rays of a tropical sun, while no pleasant land- 
scape cheered the tired soldiers on the march, 
except the lofty peaks of the Sierra Madre Moun- 
tains in the dim distance. Resting" two or three 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. i6i 

days at Ceralvo, a pretty town at the base of the 
mountain range and watered by a cool stream, the 
army crossed a vast plain dotted with many empty 
farm-houses, betokening the gathering of the popu- 
lation for the defence of Monterey. They passed 
through a gap of the mountains to encamp again 
upon the banks of the San Juan beyond Marin. 
Thence they marched to San Francisco, ten miles 
from the city, and on the morning of the 19th of 
September, leaving San Francisco, the advance soon 
had a greeting from the Mexican guns, to which the 
eager soldiers responded with shouts that made the 
mountains ring. General Taylor had repeatedly 
declared that the enemy would make no resistance 
to his march. As he reached the edge of the plain 
overlooking the city, escorted by a company of 
rangers, a twelve-pounder ball struck within a few 
feet of him. Assured of a determined resistance by 
this unexpected message from the Mexican works, 
he ordered the guard to withdraw from the recon- 
noissance to Walnut Springs. Here, in a sequestered 
and lovely spot, three miles from Monterey, the 
pleasure resort of the gay inhabitants, the army 
encamped, and the sounds of drum and trumpet 
with the tramp of soldiers soon to engage in the 
bloody scenes of battle filled the peaceful recesses 
of the grove. 



l62 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

Monterey was the capital of the State of Nueva 
Leon, and had at the beginning of the war a popu- 
lation of about ten thousand citizens. General 
Ampudia, who had succeeded General Arista in com- 
mand, anticipating the attack of this city, had col- 
lected here more than ten thousand troops for its 
defence. With the caution taught them in the bat- 
tles already fought, they were awaiting behind their 
fortifications the assault of the Americans. 

The strongest defence of Monterey lay in its 
well-chosen site. It was surrounded with rugged 
and craggy mountains, which rose four thousand feet 
above it. Some of the lower eminences hung directly 
over the city. It lay in a beautiful valley made by 
the river San Juan, which flowed out from a steep 
gorge on the west. Through this gorge ran the 
road to Saltillo. The river flowed toward the east 
along the southern side of the city, which was reg- 
ularly laid out for about two miles along its bank. 
This valley was lower than the plain, which ex- 
tended to the north and east of the city. A dry 
ravine, several hundred yards in length, intersected 
this plain on the north. The mountain ranges ran 
south of the city beyond the river, with high hills 
reaching to its banks, and commanding the city. 
The plain gradually sloped down on the north 
and east toward the city. On the north-east was 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 163 

the approach to Monterey from Ceralvo across this 
plain. The upper part of the city was situated on 
the crest commanded by high hills one mile distant 
and beyond the Saltillo road. On one of these was 
the Bishop's Palace. 

The American army approached Monterey over 
the plain from the north. It was here and there 
planted with fields of corn. The natural defences of 
the city had been made apparently impregnable by 
fortifications constructed with great skill, and gar- 
risoned by well-armed troops. They would test to 
the utmost the intrepidity and strength of any attack- 
ing force. 

Near the Ceralvo road on the north was the citadel 
which lay outside of the city. It was built of a 
soft volcanic stone, had four sides, and was two 
hundred feet square. At the angles were projections, 
each pierced for seven guns. The upper portion of 
the wall or parapet was twelve feet thick, resting on 
a heavier stone wall, with a ditch twelve feet wide 
surrounding the whole fort. This defence was 
situated on a slight elevation so that it commanded 
the country for two miles, and also the forts at the 
lower end of the city. In its centre were the ruins 
of an old cathedral, which gave the " Old Black 
Fort," as it was called by the Americans, under the 



1 64 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

thick clouds of smoke hanging over it during the 
battle, an impregnable look. 

On the eastern or lower side of the city was a 
fort of four guns, behind which were two redoubts 
named Fort Tannerio and Fort Diabolo, each 
mounting three guns. This line of fortifications was 
continued by two breastworks and a barricade on the 
south, and commanded all the approaches to the 
city from the east. 

On the north-west of the city beyond the culti- 
vated fields and above the Saltillo road rose a rug- 
ged height called Independence Hill. It had two 
forts, one of which, the Bishop's Palace, thoroughly 
equipped for defence, was the strongest position 
held by the enemy outside of the city. Opposite to 
this, on the other side of the road, was Federa- 
tion Hill, beyond the San Juan River, having fortifi- 
cations of less strength, mounting but one or two 
guns, to protect the rear of the city. 

In addition to these cleverly constructed defences, 
which included with their light batteries forty-two 
pieces of artillery, were strong stone barricades at 
the entrances of each of the streets pierced for 
musketry, while the stone houses, with their parapets, 
were each minor forts to aid in the stubborn re- 
sistance which the defenders of Monterey were pre- 
pared to make. A large force of cavalry was also 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 165 

waiting in the plaza to cut off the expected retreat 
of the Americans, after their attempt to capture 
the city. 

On the 19th of September General Taylor ordered 
several reconnoissances to be made by the engineer 
corps and Texas rangers to obtain accurate informa- 
tion of the enemy's works. The American army 
was without heavy artillery. Rather than submit to 
the delays of its transportation from Camargo and 
Matamoras, it was decided to attempt the capture of 
Monterey by assault, and carry the works at the 
point of the bayonet. 

On Sunday, the 20th of September, General 
Worth, with his division numbering seventeen hun- 
dred men and one hundred Texas rangers, was order- 
ed to take position at the extreme right on the Saltillo 
road, which he was to reach by a long detour. He 
was directed to cut off the supplies and retreat of 
the enemy, and, if possible, capture the defences in 
that quarter. The afternoon and following night 
were spent in cutting a road through the fields of 
corn and sugar-cane, and building bridges over the 
ditches for the passage of Duncan's artillery. To 
conceal this movement the other two divisions were 
marched to the front of the town, but withdrawn at 
night. A ten-inch mortar and two four-pounder how- 
itzers were posted in the dry ravine on the north of 



l66 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

the city within fourteen hundred yards of the Old 
Black Fort, and protected all night by the Fourth 
Regiment of regular infantiy. 

General Worth's division marched for seven miles 
through the fields and came out upon a road at the 
base of a high mountain on the north-west, which 
led into the Saltillo road a mile and a half from the 
city. They encamped in the night not far fronf the 
height surmounted by the Bishop's Palace. As soon 
as their camp-fires were lighted, their position was 
disclosed and showers of grape-shot were hurled upon 
them. Quickly extinguishing the fires, they were 
obliged to lie down in the rain without supper and 
without blankets. They left their camp at day- 
break, and following the winding road entered the 
Saltillo road, when they discovered a large body of 
Mexican cavalry waiting to give battle. Part of the 
Texan rangers dismounted and moved forward to 
concealed positions in underbrush and behind a fence 
on the right and left of the road. Here they at- 
tacked four regiments of Mexican lancers riding 
proudly down the road, and checked the advance of 
the first regiment by a sharp fire of musketry. The 
Mexican commander pressing on fell pierced by 
many balls. The rest of the Texans came up and 
drove the Mexicans into the chaparral and up the hill. 
They left nearly one hundred killed and wounded 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 167 

on and near the road. Only two men were killed 
on the American side. 

After this short engagement with the enemy's 
cavalry, General Worth moved on the Saltillo road 
out of range from the fortifications on the hill, en- 
camped beside the stream, and prepared to storm the 
height on the morrow. 

The night of the 20th was passed by the now sepa- 
rated American troops around Monterey with such 
feelings as only those who are on the eve of a fierce 
and bloody strife can adequately describe. Laugh- 
ter and jest among veterans and volunteers soon 
died away, to give place to silent thoughts of the 
issues of the morrow, and then to the sleep of 
brave men preparing for the terrible scenes of bat- 
tle. 

The long roll sounded at dawn of the 21st of Sep- 
tember, and the columns moved forward over the 
plain to the assault. Clouds of mist were hanging 
over the city, pierced only by the church-steeples. 
Soon, however, the rays of the rising sun dispelled 
the fog, and the breeze swept it away rolled in 
masses up the mountain-sides. 

The troops took their appointed positions on the 
south of the city. General Twigg's division under 
Colonel Garland's command, with Captain Bragg's 
artillery, were on the left of the Black Fort. The 



1 68 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY, 

cavalry commands of May and Woods, with the 
mounted rangers under General Henderson, moved 
to the right to support General Worth, who was ex- 
pected to attack the upper part of the city, while 
a diversion was made by the troops in front and on 
the eastern defences. General Quitman's force, com- 
prising the Mississippi and Tennessee volunteer regi- 
ments, and the dragoons under General Butler, oc- 
cupied ground fronting the Black Fort, and farther 
to the right were stationed the Kentucky and Ohio 
volunteer regiments. 

General Garland began the assault by entering the 
town on the north-east, and attempting, by turning 
to the right through the suburbs, to gain the rear of 
Fort Tannerio. The Mexicans repulsed them in 
half an hour by an effective fire from the forts and 
houses in the vicinity. The Tennessee and Missis- 
sippi regiments were ordered to support Colonel 
Garland's advance. The Tennesseeans marched to 
the left, passed the Mississippi regiment, and started 
on a brisk run toward the firing, which was nearly a 
mile distant. As they crossed the open plain, led by 
General Quitman, the Black Fort opened a terrible 
fire upon them from twenty guns. They pressed 
on without faltering through the low tangled brush 
and thickly flying grape-shot, at heavy loss, till they 
came within five hundred yards of the fort, from the 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 169 

attack of which Colonel Garland's men were return- 
ing. An unfortunate order from some subaltern to 
halt and fire stopped the column, which began to fire 
upon the fort while exposed to the deadly range of 
two of the fortifications that poured grape and 
canister shot upon them, till the gallant band leading 
the assault quite melted away. The officers again 
and again gave orders to their men to charge, but 
the commands were not heard amid the shrieks of 
the wounded and the terrific roar of the battle. At 
length the firing lulled, and the orders given again 
were heard and quickly obeyed. The Tennesseeans 
rushed up to the very cannon's mouth, while grape- 
shot, thick as hail, was hurled upon them from the 
forts. Leaping the ditch and climbing the rampart 
with Lieutenant Nixon, one of their brave officers at 
their head, the assailants saw the enemy flying, and 
turned a gun just loaded with canister shot upon 
them. Rushing on to the outermost fort, about 
forty yards distant, they entered it just as the Mis- 
sissippi troops had taken possession, and captured 
thirty prisoners and five cannon which Lieutenant 
Ridgeley immediately turned upon the enemy's 
works. A movement to assault Fort Diabolo, five 
hundred yards in the rear, was now partially exe- 
cuted in the face of a vigorous firing maintained 
by its garrison, but the order was countermanded. 



I70 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

and the men gained shelter from the deadly, mis- 
siles to which they had been so long exposed. 

While General Quitman's brigade was thus en- 
gaged, General Butler, with the Ohio volunteer regi- 
ment and Fourth United States Infantry, had pene- 
trated the city on the north, but could not long en- 
dure the storm of musket and artillery shot which 
was poured upon them from the houses and breast- 
works. He withdrew his men, but after the first fort 
was carried by General Quitman's troops. General 
Butler was again ordered to advance. He attempted 
to storm Fort Diabolo, but he himself and Colonel 
Mitchell were both wounded, and his command again 
fell back. 

Many of the assailants had now lost their regi- 
ments, and fought for several hours without orders 
from behind houses, walls, and fences. The Mexi- 
can lancers swept down over the ground along the 
front of the town, where the American troops had 
marched under fire, and without mercy pierced the 
wounded with their lances, till they were checked 
with heavy loss by a steady firing from a body of 
Ohio and Mississippi troops. 

The Mexicans everywhere fought with determina- 
tion and bravery against their gallant foes. Twenty- 
five hundred of their best troops covered with their 
guns the approach to Fort Diabolo. Grape anrl 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 171 

canister shot swept like a murderous flame over the 
open ground around it, and it seemed impossible 
that day to take Fort Diabolo. A fruitless attempt 
was made by Colonel Garland and a section of 
Ridgeley's battery to take the Mexican guns posted 
at the bridge, but the deep stream prevented ap- 
proach to it. The day was drawing to a close, and 
the recall was sounded to our scattered troops. The 
Mexican cavalry charged upon them as they retired 
from the field, but they were driven back by Ridge- 
ley's guns at heavy loss. A garrison of troops who 
had been less exposed was posted in the captured 
forts, and what was left of the gallant regiments which 
had heroically won them withdrew to the camping 
ground at Walnut Springs. The Tennessee regi- 
ment lost one hundred out of three hundred men 
who entered battle that morning. It gained the 
name from that day of " The Bloody First." 

A cold and dreary rain fell in the darkness of that 
September night upon the field where hundreds of 
wounded lay. The scenes after battle, when its ex- 
citement is over, are indeed heartrending. Then 
the bravest recoil at the horrors of war. There was 
but little sleep that night. The soldiers in the fort 
had not the shelter of a blanket, and the camp was 
disturbed by the cries of the wounded brought in 
from the field. On the cold and muddy ground the 



172 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

weary soldiers waited, without even supper, for the 
morning's fighting, but the dead and wounded lay in 
ghastly heaps upon the field the next day, unburied 
and uncared for, a truce for the purpose having been 
refused by the Mexican generals. 

The 22d of September began v^ith rain, and the 
attack was not renewed that day on this side of the 
city. On the 23d, early in the morning, the men in 
the fort were relieved by General Quitman's shat- 
tered brigade ; Lieutenant Ridgeley, one of the most 
enthusiastic spirits on the field, was still there with 
his battery. General Quitman discovered that Fort 
Diabolo had been abandoned during the night, and 
took possession of it. Then dispatching four com- 
panies of troops to enter the town, he again brought 
on the engagement. These soldiers fought from 
house to house, and had pushed far into the tov/n, 
when they were reinforced by the Texan rangers, 
who rushed through the streets like tigers with the 
battle cry, "Goliad and Alamo!" They broke 
through the walls of the houses, climbed to their flat 
roofs, bringing down with their unerring, rifles 
every Mexican visible, till they had forced their 
way to within one hundred and fifty yards of the 
Plaza, where the enemy were posted in great 
force. Bravely supported by the Mississippians 
and Texan troops, the men in front were just about 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 173 

reaching with their avenging fire the masses of the 
Mexicans, when General Taylor, unaware of their ad- 
vantageous position, sent orders to them to retire. 
At that moment General Worth's troops were about 
equally distant from the Plaza, advancing from the 
other side of the city. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

TJie Storniing of Monterey {Concluded). 

Worth's operations — Taking Fort Federation — Capture of Fort 
Independence — The Bishop's Palace stormed — Fighting in 
the city — Reaching the Plaza — Ampudia surrenders — Evacu- 
ation of the city — Incidents of the battle-field. 

After the reconnoissance made toward the 
city on the 2ist by a part of General Worth's com- 
mand, he had determined to prepare for a vigorous 
attack of the Bishop's Palace and Fort Independence 
on the spur of Mount Mitria, at whose base he had 
repulsed the Mexican lancers. The fort was on the 
summit of the ridge seven or eight hundred feet 
above the river. The Bishop's Palace was situated 
a few hundred yards below the ridge at the head of 
the slope to the city. 

General Worth decided first to take the two forti- 
fications on Federation Hill across the river, which 
greatly harassed his position. He ordered Captain 
Smith of the artillery battalion with four companies 
to move directly across the stream about noon of 
the 2 1st and carry the height. He was supported by 
Captain Miles with the United States infantry, who. 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 175 

taking a shorter route, reached the base of the moun- 
tain before him. The enemy deployed along the 
slopes of the mountain, and the action began with 
skirmishers who were thrown forward in detachments 
from the American lines. Then the troops, as if it 
were a holiday climb, began to clamber and leap from 
rock to rock up the mountain-side, swinging them- 
selves forward by the shrubs and bushes and winding 
the hill with circlets of flame and smoke, as for half 
an hour they were driving the enemy up to their 
fortifications. The Mexicans were reinforced by five 
hundred troops, and General Worth in like man- 
ner strengthened his own lines considerably. But 
this bold fighting up the mountain-side had filled 
the Mexicans with fear of the struggle when it 
should take place on even ground. The summit was 
at last reached by the American troops, and they 
rushed furiously on the fort, but saw the enemy flying 
headlong down the other side of the ridge. In a 
few moments the Stars and Stripes were flying in the 
breeze above the fort in place of the Mexican tri- 
color. The ninc-pounder guns captured in Fort 
Federation were now run down the slope and turned 
upon the other fort, Soldardo, six hundred yards 
distant, toward which the troops sent as reinforce- 
ments were hastening. Captain Smith and his com- 
mand, eager for more honors, joined in the impetu- 



176 THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

ous charge, and reached the second fort at the same 
time with the supporting force under Colonel Hays. 
The enemy, in a complete rout, were dashing down 
the hill into the city. Another gun was captured 
here. Only fifteen Americans were killed in this 
brilliant assault. The victors threw themselves 
upon the ground to sleep as well as they could in 
the dark, stormy night which quickly closed upon 
them. 

General Worth had planned to take Fort Inde- 
pendence under cover of the night, and had organ- 
ized an attacking force of four companies of regulars 
with two hundred Texans under Hays and Walker. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Childs had command of this 
party, which was to follow up the advantages already 
gained during the afternoon. At three o'clock in 
the morning of the 22d, in a wild storm of rain and 
wind, they toiled up the ascent to within one hundred 
yards of the summit. Just at daybreak they were 
perceived by the Mexican pickets, who discharged 
their muskets at the forms dimly seen in the mist, 
and hurried back to the shelter of the fort. But 
they were followed by a volley from their assailants, 
who with the Texans in front charged immediately 
upon the fortification, cleared it of its defenders, and 
sent a triumphant shout to their comrades below. 

A twelve-pounder gun was now dispatched from 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 177 

the camp and hoisted up the ascent to be mounted 
and used in the attack upon the Bishop's Palace. 
Troops also arrived from Federation Hill opposite and 
were drawn up for the assault. Taking advantage of 
a sally of the Mexicans from the palace, these troops 
rushed down the slope like an overwhelming wave 
and carried the works in a few minutes. Lieutenant 
Ayers was the first to mount the walls and unfurl 
the banner of the Union over the palace, to the 
dismay of those in the city below. The guns of the 
palace were now quickly turned upon its garrison 
fleeing down the hill into the city. 

These rapid and successful captures of the enemy's 
strong positions had prepared the way for the assault 
of the city from the west. General Worth had re- 
ceived no orders or communications from General 
Taylor since the 19th. On the morning of the 23d 
the sounds of battle in the eastern part of the city 
were again heard, and General Worth ordered his 
troops to the attack. They advanced by the two 
main streets into the city. Duncan's and McCall's 
batteries followed in the rear of the infantry. As 
they advanced reserves were posted at the head of 
every cross street to avoid flank movements by the 
Mexican cavalry. « 

The Americans were all that day pushing on from 
street to street beyond the cemetery, behind the 



lyS THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

walls of which the Mexicans made a vigorous stand, 
and forcing their way through the walls of houses or 
from roof to roof, as were their comrades on the east- 
ern side. They reached a street toward evening with- 
in a square of the plaza. Darkness at length gath- 
ered over the terrible scenes of slaughter and the 
ruin of dwellings before the eyes of their owners, 
who had valiantly resisted the foe that was lay- 
ing waste their beautiful city and slaying its in- 
habitants. There was a partial cessation of firing 
during the night. A mortar was, however, posted in 
the cemetery, and its shells fell all night upon the 
enemy's troops massed in the plaza to the number 
of eight thousand. Two twelve-pounder howitzers 
and one six-pounder gun were pushed through the 
streets and raised upon the flat roof of a house within 
point-blank range of the plaza, which was prepared to 
make terrible havoc of the Mexicans at daybreak. 

General Ampudia now saw that the city was lost, 
and that a few hours only would accomplish the de- 
struction of his whole force. On the night of the 
23d he sent General Moreno to ask of General 
Worth terms of surrender. At dawn he proceeded 
to General Taylor's, and after much difificulty a 
commission of officers from both armies agreed upon 
terms of capitulation so favorable to the Mexicans 
that they were ever afterward a cause of indignation 



tub: storming of i^.i on terry. 179 

and animadversion against the American officers of 
the commission, one of whom was Colonel Jefferson 
Davis, so famous in the subsequent history of the 
United States as the first and only President of 
the Southern Confederacy in the great rebellion. 
General Worth and General Henderson of the Texan 
volunteers were the other two American commis- 
sioners. Those representing the Mexican army 
were Generals Requena and Ortego and Sefior 
Llano, Governor of Nuevo Leon. The motives 
which prevailed with the American commissioners 
were as follows : The citadel was still in the posses- 
sion of the Mexicans and a way of escape for the 
Mexican troops, should they finally be overcome at 
the plaza. There had been already great loss of life 
among the Americans. Humanity demanded the 
sparing of lives on both sides instead of increased 
slaughter in the prolonged conflicts of a siege, while 
the moral effect of a surrender would be greater than 
would be the retreat of the Mexican army. 

By the terms of the convention the citadel was 
evacuated, and also the city within seven days. The 
Mexican forces retained the most of their arms 
except the larger part of the artillery ; the public 
property was turned over to the Americans, and a 
cessation of hostilities between the two armies for 
six weeks was agreed upon. The Mexican troops 



l8o THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. 

retired to the city of Saltillo and thence to San 
Luis Potosi, three hundred miles distant from Mon- 
terey, where the headquarters of the Northern army 
of Mexico were established. Shortly after General 
Ampudia was made a prisoner in the Castle of 
Perote by the order of Santa Anna, who returned 
from exile and took command of the army ; but 
many of the troops who had been allowed to with- 
drav/ from Monterey with their arms soon fought 
General Taylor again in the bloody battle of Buena 
Vista, at great risk to his little army. The Ameri- 
can loss was five hundred in killed and wounded, 
being nearly one tenth of all the troops engaged. 
The Mexicans suffered a loss of over one thousand. 

After the imposing ceremony of the surrender had 
been performed, and the Stars and Stripes had taken 
the places of the Mexican tricolor on every fortifica- 
tion and above the citadel itself, General Worth 
entered upon his duties as military governor of 
Monterey. 

Among the tragedies of the terrible scenes at 
Monterey, which combined all the horrors of a battle, 
a siege, and an assault, the following incident was 
related by one engaged in the conflict : 

" While I was stationed with our left wing in one 
of the forts, on the evening of the 2 1st, I saw a 
Mexican woman busily engaged in carrying bread 



THE STORMING OF MONTEREY. i8i 

and water to the wounded men of both armies. I 
saw the ministering angel raise the head of a 
wounded man, give him water and food, and then 
bind up his ghastly wound with a handkerchief she 
took from her own head. After having exhausted 
her supplies she went back to her house to get more 
bread and water for others. As she was returning 
on her mission of mercy to comfort other wounded 
persons, I heard the report of a gun, and saw the 
innocent creature fall dead ! I think it was an acci- 
dental shot that struck her — I would not be willing 
to believe otherwise. It made me sick at heart, and 
turning from the scene, I involuntarily raised my 
eyes toward heaven, and thought, ' Great God ! is 
this war ? ' Passing the spot the next day, I saw 
her body still lying there, with the bread by her 
side, and the broken gourd, with a few drops of 
water still in it — emblems of her errand. We 
buried her, and while we were digging her grave 
cannon-balls flew around us like hail." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Operations of the Army of the Centre — Battle of 
Bucna Vista. 

Affairs in Mexico— Return of Santa Anna — Failure of the plan 
of the Army of the Centre — Dividing General Taylor's force 
— General Scott Commander-in-Chief — Position of the army — 
Agua Nueva — Withdrawal of the army to Buena Vista — The 
chosen battle-ground — Approach of the Mexican army — Dis- 
position of Santa Anna's forces — Angostura — Washington's 
Birthday — Summons to surrender from Santa Anna — Refusal 
— Attack of the American left — Repulse — Address of Santa 
Anna to his troops. 

There had been another change of administration 
in Mexico during the summer of 1847. The vio- 
lent and oppressive government of Paredes had 
been overthrown, and a revolution in favor of Santa 
Anna and other poHtical exiles led to the return of 
the former president from Cuba on the i6th of 
August. He landed at Vera Cruz by express per- 
mission of the United States Government, in the ex- 
pectation that his influence would be favorable to 
negotiations for peace. He, however, made a tri- 
umphal entry into the City of Mexico on the 15th 
of September, and departing for San Luis de Potosi 



THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 183 

on the 8th of October, with great energy and suc- 
cess began to levy and equip a new army. He de- 
voted much of his private fortune to this purpose. 

Having notified General Taylor that he would en- 
tertain no propositions of peace, he was informed 
that the armistice was ended November 13th by 
orders from Washington. General Taylor still hold- 
ing Monterey pushed forward his army to occupy 
Saltillo, the capital of the State of Coahuila, which 
commanded the mountain-pass to the vast table-land 
in the north of Mexico, and was also the centre of a 
fertile country. He also took possession of Mon- 
clova, Linares, Victoria, and Tampico. 

The government at Washington was now planning 
to strike a decisive blow. General Taylor advised 
that an army of twenty-five thousand men, ten 
thousand of whom should be regulars, should be 
landed at Vera Cruz or Alvarado, which should be 
made the base of operations against the capital of 
the distracted Republic. 

The " Army of the Centre" now began its opera- 
tions in Mexico. Its destination was the province 
and city of Chihuahua. During the month of Au- 
gust, 1847, the various regiments and detachments 
composed of volunteer troops from Arkansas, Il- 
linois, Kentucky, and Texas, with an artillery com- 
pany and battery and a company of dragoons of 



1 84 THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 

the regular army, rendezvoused at San Antonio de 
Bexar, where they went into a camp of instruction. 
On the 26th of September the advance of this army 
left San Antonio. The force amounted to two 
thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine men. 
Taking a route by Presidio they crossed the Rio 
Grande and proceeded as far as Santa Rosa. The 
impassable range of the Sierra Gorda prevented any 
farther approach to the city of Chihuahua. General 
Wool in command of this army, therefore turned 
aside, and occupied Monclova, the ancient capital of 
Chihuahua, and reported to General Taylor at Mon- 
terey. He was directed to move forward to Parras, 
where he remained during the operations against the 
province and towns of Tamaulipas, among which 
was Victoria the capital, occupied January 4th, 
1848. 

While at Victoria, General Taylor on the 14th of 
January received despatches from General Winfield 
Scott, announcing his arrival in Mexico to take 
command of the expedition against the City of 
Mexico. As commander-in-chief, General Scott 
made a demand for the greater part of General 
Taylor's army, including nearly all the regular 
troops, the volunteer divisions of Generals Worth 
and Patterson, and the commands of Generals Quit- 
man and Twiggs, which were already at Victoria. 



THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 185 

These were despatched at once. Worth's division 
marched from Saltillo to Carmago and Matamoras, 
and joined General Scott at the Brazos. The organ- 
ization of the Army of the Centre was broken up, 
some of the troops going south to General Scott, 
but most of them were merged in the command left 
to General Taylor. 

It was with great reluctance that General Taylor 
parted with his brave soldiers. Many of them had 
won with him brilliant victories, and shared great 
perils in the midst of the enemy's country. He 
issued the following order to his departing com- 
rades : 

" It is with deep sensibility that the commanding 
general finds himself separated from the troops he 
so long commanded. To those corps, regular and 
volunteer, who have shared with him the active ser- 
vices of the field, he feels the attachment due to 
such associations, while to those who are making 
their first campaign he must express his regret that 
he cannot participate with them in its eventful 
scenes. 

" To all, both officers and men, he extends his 
heartfelt wishes for their continued success and 
happiness, confident that their achievements on 
another theatre will redound to the credit of their 
country and its arms." 



1 86 THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 

General Taylor still held Saltillo, and advanced 
the main force to a plain called Agua Nueva, eigh- 
teen miles south, where he could command the road 
to San Luis de Potosi and several passes in the 
vicinity. On the 22d of January, seventy of his 
cavalry were captured at the hacienda of Encarna- 
cion, forty-eight miles from Saltillo, by the Mexican 
cavalry officer, General Mifion. 

General Taylor joined General Wool at Agua 
Nueva on the 31st of January. Twenty days later, 
seeing unmistakable indications that General Santa 
Anna was intending to attack him with an over- 
whelming army of twenty thousand men, largely 
composed of cavalry and artillery, he fell back 
about twelve miles to Angostura, near the village of 
Buena Vista. The position was one of great natural 
advantages for defence, and had been previously se- 
lected by General Wool as the best location in all 
the country for a battle of few against a superior 
force. 

The road from San Luis de Potosi here becomes a 
narrow defile, breaking through the mountain range 
separating the valley north of Saltillo from the 
more elevated valley of La Encantada. On the 
right was a plain cut up with impassable gullies. 
On the left of the road a series of arroyos and 
ridges ran back to a plateau at the base of the 



THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 1 87 

mountains, making the ground on each side ahnost 
impassable for artillery and cavalry. 

Angostura was held by the Illinois First, under 
Colonel Hardin. General Wool's division encamp- 
ed a mile and a half in the rear, and General 
Taylor with the batteries of Sherman and Bragg 
and the Mississippi Rifles under Colonel Davis went 
on to Saltillo to prepare it for the expected attack. 
Colonel Yell, of the Arkansas mounted volunteers, 
was left at Agua Nueva to superintend the removal 
of stores. 

Santa Anna's fully equipped army of over twenty 
thousand men left Encarnacion at noon of the 21st 
of February. Toward evening, Colonel Yell's pick- 
ets, five miles south of Agua Nueva, were driven in. 
The trains were therefore hastened off toward Bu- 
ena Vista, and the remaining stores and buildings 
burned. The Mexican army emerged from the 
gorge near Agua Nueva. The Americans, who had 
been warned of their approach by a deserter, had 
escaped a night attack and surprise. The Mexi- 
cans pushed on, after a short halt, in pursuit, and 
on the morning of the 22d came within sight of the 
Americans. Deploying to the right and left, they 
filled the whole space from the road to the moun- 
tains with a splendid array of banners and armor 
glittering in the morning sun. 



1 88 THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 

It was an auspicious day to cheer that little army 
of American soldiers, the 22d of February. Early 
in the morning they had moved to their stations, 
with banners unfurled to the breeze, amid the 
strains of " Hail Columbia," which passed, with the 
words, " To the memory of Washington," from regi- 
ment to regiment. Many a heart was stirred to 
deepest fervor by the example of that purest and 
noblest of patriots. 

The American infantry were most advantageously 
posted on ridges, extending from Angostura to 
mountains on the left. They also held the plateau, 
with reserves of cavalry and infantry on the ridges 
in the rear. General Taylor rode along the lines ac- 
companied by General Wool, and cheered the 
troops to the unequal conflict with speeches that 
were enthusiastically received. During the forenoon 
a white flag was seen approaching from the enemy's 
lines. Its bearer brought this summons : 

Camp at Encantada, 

February 22, 1847. 

God and Liberty. 

You are surrounded by twenty thousand men, 
and cannot in any human probability avoid suffer- 
ing a rout, and being cut to pieces with your troops ; 
but as you deserve consideration and particular 
esteem, I wish to save you from a catastrophe, and 
for that purpose give you this notice, in order that 
you may surrender at discretion, under the assur- 



THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 1S9 

ance that you will be treated with the consideration 
belonging to the Mexican character, to which end 
you will be granted an hour's time to make up your 
mind, to commence from the moment when my flag 
of truce arrives in your camp. 

With this view, I assure you of my particular con- 
sideration. 

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. 

To General Z. Taylor, 

Commanding- the Forces of the United States. 



General Taylor's reply was very brief. With the 
usual formalities of address, it said : "I decline ac- 
ceding to your request." 

The Mexicans had two lines of infantry in front 
of the ridge occupied by the Americans. On their 
right and left were batteries of heavy guns, and a 
large howitzer near the road. Their cavalry were 
in the rear of the two wings, and behind the centre 
were the headquarters of Santa Anna and his body- 
guard. A brigade still farther in the rear protect- 
ed his trains. 

The Mexicans brought on the battle by attempt- 
ing to flank the American left, moving up the slope 
of the plateau, on the ridge which approached and 
finally formed the one held by Americans. This 
movement was met by a counter one on the Mexi- 
can left near La Angostura. A shell from the 
Mexican howitzer opened the fight, and General 



190 THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 

Ampudia's light infantry were soon hotly engaged 
with the American riflemen, whose firing was delib- 
erate and who took shelter behind the crest of the 
ridsre. The Mexican cannon were also directed at 
the Americans on the plateau, but a signal shell 
stopped the fighting of that day. Three hundred 
Mexicans had fallen under the deadly aim of the 
American riflemen, whose entire loss was only four 
wounded. 

At sunset, General Taylor returned to Saltillo, 
strengthening its defences by increased troops and 
artillery. The Americans also threw up earthworks 
at Angostura. The two armies sank to rest in the 
gloom of night, as the sweet strains of martial bands 
floated down the hillsides from the Mexican lines. 
Occasional gusts of rain swept through the cold 
night air, so that the chilled and shivering soldiers 
on the mountains built fires of the stalks and dwarf 
trees which grew on their sterile slopes. 

Ere the evening closed Santa Anna prepared his 
soldiers for the conflict on the morrow. He inflam- 
ed their patriotism and passions by recounting the 
wrongs that Mexico had suffered from the United 
States, and pictured to them their country desolated 
by the invader, who, for the sake of acquiring terri- 
tory, set every principle of right at defiance. He 
promised that the blood of their countrymen should 



THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE. 191 

be avenged and their own sufferings compensated 
by victory on the morrow. Tlie loud cries of the 
troops in response, "Viva Santa Anna!" "Viva 
la Republic !" " Libertad a Muerto !" were distinct- 
I3' heard in the American lines. 



CHAPTER XX. 
Tlie Battle of Bucna Vista {Co7icluded). 

Fighting for the plateau — The three columns of the enemy — Hero- 
ism of Lieutenant O'Brien — Junction of Lombardini and Pa- 
checho — Attack on Angostura — Cowardice of troops — Critical 
moments — Arrival of General Taylor — Retrieving defeat — 
Cavalry movements— Desperate charges — Following up advan- 
tages — Night approaches — Carnage of war — Sufferings of the 
wounded — Flight of the Mexicans — Ruin of their army — Joy 
and triumph of the Americans — Movements of Santa Anna — 
Consequences of this victory — Departure of General Taylor. 

At two o'clock in the morning of the 23d, Gen- 
eral Ampudia's division was reinforced by two 
thousand men, and began to force the American 
left. The pickets were driven in and a lively action 
began at daybreak. Lieutenant O'Brien, stationed 
at the upper edge of the plateau, near the moun- 
tain, came to the aid of the riflemen with a twelve- 
pounder howitzer and two guns. With great pre- 
cision, he threw six or eight shells among Ampu- 
dia's troops pouring down the mountain slope upon 
the Americans. Still they came on, notwithstand- 
ing the terrible slaughter of their men. From the 
ridge between the two armies a Mexican battery 



THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 193 

hurled a plunging fire on O'Brien's guns and the 
soldiers on the plateau. 

The battle now became general all along the line. 

The movements of the enemy had developed 
into three columns of attack. General Moray 
Villamil, with two regiments and two battalions of 
artillery, was attempting to carry the pass of Angos- 
tura. The two divisions of Generals Lombardini 
and Pachecho, moving one across the ridge and the 
other up the ravine toward the mountain, were to 
take the plateau. The extreme left of the Ameri- 
can position was being assailed by Ampudia, acting 
in conjunction with the centre attack. General 
Ortega held the Mexican reserve on the ground first 
occupied by the enemy. 

General Ampudia maintained a vigorous onset, 
while Lombardini led his column along the ridge 
toward the plateau, in a brilliant array of shining 
uniforms, gay equipments, and fluttering banners in 
full sight of the American army. Behind the ridge 
and hidden from sight was Pachecho's division com- 
ing up the ravine to join Lombardini on the plateau 
near the head of the third principal gorge cutting 
its edge. 

General Wool was at this time at Angostura. 
General Lane, the next in command, ordered Lieu- 
tenant O'Brien to take position with his artillery 



194 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

and the Second Indiana regiment at the head of this 
gorge and hold the enemy in check. For twenty- 
five minutes O'Brien maintained the contest against 
a force ten times as great as his own. His guns 
mowed down whole platoons of the enemy. Their 
advance corps was completely destroyed. The 
Mexican guns on the ridge were severely retal- 
iating upon these Americans, when O'Brien was 
ordered to move forward fifty yards to the edge of 
the gorge. The Second Indiana volunteers now 
hesitated to come up to his support under the gall- 
ing fire to which he was exposed. General Lane 
hoped to drive Pachecho's division down the ravine. 
He was amazed to see the Indiana troops moving 
off in companies to the right instead of marching 
forward. Colonel Bowles, their commanding ofifi- 
cer, had without authority given the rash order, 
" Cease firing and retreat." They were soon in a 
confused flight. General Lane, wounded and bleed- 
ing, with some of his staff ofificers, made heroic 
efforts to rally them. It was in this service that 
some of the bravest of his staff lost their lives. 
Riding in among the fleeing troops. Major Dix 
seized the standard of the regiment, and declared 
that he would carry it back alone into the battle 
and save Indiana from disgrace. Touched by this 
last appeal, some of the panic-stricken soldiers 



THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA, 195 

gathered around their flag, and under sound of drum 
and fife were led back to the conflict, where they 
joined the Mississippi regiment. The rest fled to 
Buena Vista, and announced that all was lost, when 
indeed their comrades were just entering the hottest 
of the battle from which they had ignominiously fled. 
Their cowardice had well-nigh lost the battle. The 
line was broken and several companies of Arkansas 
and Mississippi volunteers were forced to retreat 
toward Buena Vista. 

Lieutenant O'Brien unflinchingly maintained his 
position, though cut off from his supporters. Load- 
ing his guns with double charges of canister shot 
he created terrible havoc in the Mexican ranks. At 
length, overwhelmed with the reckless troops who 
poured upon him like a flood, he retreated, leaving 
one four-pounder gun in their hands, since it had 
not a man or horse left to save it. 

Lombardini and Pachecho were now able to unite 
their divisions on the plateau. They were met by 
the Second Illinois, Sherman's battery, and a squad- 
ron of dragoons, hurrying up as the Indiana regi- 
ment gave way. Artillery and musket shots were 
fiercely mingled in the death-dealing storm that 
now raged over this part of the plateau. The cav- 
alry fell back into the ravine. The Mexicans, fight- 
ing with terrible earnestness and unsurpassed bra- 



196 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

very, succeeded in turning the American left. The 
Illinois troops and the artillery were now between a 
fire in front and rear. They fell back and the 
enemy marched past their line, winning the coveted 
position. 

Villamil's column had meanwhile attempted to 
take La Angostura. The conflict was sharp and 
brief. Washington's battery was served with irre- 
sistible effect upon these troops. They were badly 
routed and sought shelter in the third gorge and the 
large ravine near it. 

This success on the American right relieved 
troops there which were despatched to the centre. 
Three regiments of Kentucky and Illinois troops and 
one section each of Bragg and Sherman's batteries 
were thus added to the combatants on the plateau. 

But the enemy were in nearly entire possession of 
the pla.teau, and the critical moment of the battle 
had arrived. Victory had been almost won by the 
gallant Mexicans, when General Taylor arrived upon 
the field from Saltillo and took command of his 
sorely pressed troops. He found the battle line to 
be now two miles in length and parallel to the moun- 
tain, being also one mile wide from the plateau to 
the road. The enemy's cavalry and a small part of 
their infantry were nearly opposite to Buena Vista, 
while the American line of defence was very irregu- 



THE BATTLE OF BUEiVA VISTA. jg-j 

lar and facing the mountain. The key to the posi- 
tion was the pass of Angostura. Tliat was still held 
by the Americans. The enemy did not attempt to 
take it, and this was a fatal mistake for their cause. 
Their artillerj' in front remained comparatively in- 
active. 

General Taylor first sought to strengthen his left 
and retrieve what had been lost. It was now noon, 
when the sturdy Mississippi riflemen were led into 
action and General Wool brought up the Third 
Indiana regiment from the right. Colonel May's 
dragoons were ordered back from the left to the 
plateau. The head of Ampudia's column, marching 
by our troops was checked by a tremendous fire 
from the Mississippi rifles, moving at right angles 
upon them from the head of a ravine. The Mexi- 
cans soon wavered and turned back to their main 
line, forced by the onset of the Mississippians. 

Then they turned upon the enemy's cavalry and 
drove them back with the help of some Indiana 
troops. The day was brightening on the left. More- 
over on the plateau the artillery were gaining some 
advantage, when Santa Anna brought up with im- 
mense exertion a heavy battery and some compa- 
nies of American-Irish deserters, called the San 
Patricio Battalion. It enfiladed the Americans on 
the plateau with a very destructive fire, but the 



IpS THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

American batteries still maintained their advantage 
and finally broke the attacking column, part of f ' 
which fell back to Santa Anna's reserves, the rest 
joining Ampudia, fighting vigorously on the left. 
' Sherman and Bragg were ordered thither and their 
bloody work was again renewed. 

" Down the hills of Angostura still the storm of battle rolls, 
Blood is flowing, men are dying : God have mercy on their souls ! 
Who is losing? who is winning? over hill and over plain 
I see but smoke of cannon clouding through the mountain rain." 

The tide of battle was shifted now to the Mexi- 
can right and the vicinity of Buena Vista. The 
Mexican general had two objects to accomplish in 
this part of the field, to capture the American wagon 
train, now near Buena Vista, and to gain possession 
of the hacienda itself. Ampudia's cavalry in fine 
array moved down upon the commands of Colonels 
Yell and Marshall, who with the aid of May's dra- 
goons and two guns under Lieutenant Reynolds 
drove them back to the base of the mountain. 

General Torrejon with his cavalry, having with 
difficulty crossed the ravines in the rear of the origi- 
nal American line, now bore down-- upon the wagon 
and supply train. Met by the Arkansas and Ken- 
tucky mounted troops, for a while mingled in wild 
confusion, they fought hand to hand. A part of 



THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 199 

the Mexicans dashed through the street of Buena 
Vista, where they were assailed by a murderous fire 
from the housetops. A part turned back toward 
the mountain, hastening out of the range of Rey- 
nolds' canister shots. 

Another brigade of Mexican horsemen now at- 
tempted to cut their way across the plateau through 
to the road. They were received by Mississippi and 
Indiana troops in two close lines, forming an angu- 
lar front of deadly rifles and muskets. A quick suc- 
cession of volleys met the horsemen dashing forward. 
Thrown into confusion, rank after rank strewed the 
earth, and finally they turned and fled to the moun- 
tains. 

" Down they go, the brave young riders, horse and foot together 
fall, 
Like a ploughshare in the fallow, through them ploughs the 
Northern ball." 

General Taylor now following up the favorable 
turn in the battle, sent May's dragoons, with three 
sections of artillery, to drive the Mexicans back 
along the mountain. They retreated into range of 
guns on the plateau. Nine pieces of artillery were 
crushing their lines down, when Santa Anna sent a 
flag of truce to General Taylor " to knozo wJiat he 
wanted.'* It was an artifice to gain time. During 



200 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

the suspension of the firing these troops, numbering 
five thousand or six thousand, escaped from their 
perilous situation. 

But now coming up the third gorge are seen the 
Mexican reserves composed of their best troops ; 
joined with those retreating from their right they 
made a column of twelve thousand men. Before 
these the Illinois and Kentucky troops fell back and 
took shelter in the second gorge. The Mexicans, 
driving O'Brien and his guns before them, reaching 
this narrow ravine, poured a tremendous fire upon 
the Americans massed there. They endeavored to 
retreat by its mouth to the road, covering their rout 
with their dead and wounded. But the mouth of 
the gorge was closed by Mexican lancers. Dashing 
upon these in vain, they fell under their horses' feet 
pierced and dying. But help came unexpectedly 
when all seemed doomed. Washington's battery, 
hurling spherical case-shot among the enemy, drove 
them in confusion from the gorge, from which the 
Americans now escaped with heavy loss, including 
several of their bravest ofificers. 

The other part of the Mexican reserves had mean- 
while been advancing in the face of a terrible fire 
upon O'Brien's guns, from which he was finally 
obliged to retreat when nearly all his horses and 
gunners were killed or wounded. But Bragg and 



THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 201 

Lane and Davis, who had been ordered from the left 
to support him with their commands, as they came 
up in front of the fresh troops of Santa Anna, 
fought them with unsurpassed fury. Line upon line 
fell beneath that fiery tempest of death-dealing 
missiles, till the enemy, again repulsed, fled to the 
ravine, leaving the ground covered with their fallen 
comrades. The batteries soon after silenced the 
sharp firing of the battalion of San Patricio, and 
Colonel May was sent to the left to guard against 
any other flank movement that might be attempted. 
The firing slackened at sunset and ceased with 
nightfall. 

" Sink, O Night, among thy mountains ! let thy cool gray shadows 

fall; 
Dying brothers, fighting demons ! drop thy curtain over all ! 
Through the thickening winter twilight wide apart the battle 

rolled ; 
In its sheath the sabre rested, and the cannon's lips grew cold." 

Darkness closed over the field. Thousands of 
Mexicans were still in front, and preparations were 
made for another day's fighting. But when the 
first streaks of light broke upon the fields, a faint 
cry was heard, that soon increased into glad shouts 
on every side. No enemy was in sight. They had 
retreated to Agua Nueva, leaving to the Americans 



202 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

the field covered with their dead and wounded. 
" Victory ! Victory ! The army has fled ! The field 
is ours !" The mountains echoed the glad shouts 
of heroes that had fought and won the greatest 
battle of the war. 

General Taylor's troops on the battle of Buena 
Vista numbered four thousand six hundred and 
ninety-one. Santa Anna had over twenty-one 
thousand, besides General Minon's brigade of two 
thousand cavalry. The Americans lost two hun- 
dred and sixty-four killed and four hundred and 
fifty wounded. The Mexicans lost two thousand five 
hundred in killed and wounded, and four thousand 
missing soldiers, who deserted on the night of the 
23d, fleeing to the east and west toward their 
homes. 

The route to Agua Nueva was strewn with the 
bodies of dead and dying Mexicans, and with 
everything that would be left in a forced and hur- 
ried flight. 

The scenes on that bloody field, on plateau, 
mountain slope, in the narrow gorges and ravines, are 
indescribable. With unfeigned sorrow the Ameri- 
cans buried the dead and gathered the wounded, 
who were removed to Saltillo. The Mexican in 
his wounds and death was no longer a foe. Can- 
teens and knapsacks were emptied to supply the 



THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 203 

needs of these brave men now deserted by their 
comrades, and their hands were warmly pressed in 
dying agonies. 

General Taylor having taken in the fight three 
hundred Mexicans, arranged with Santa Anna for 
an exchange of prisoners, and thus recovered his 
cavalrymen captured before the battle. Santa 
Anna fell back from Agua Nueva to Encarnacion. 
He sent to the capital of Mexico false tidings of 
a great victory, which was everywhere celebrated. 
But his shattered army in its march, filling houses 
and towns with wounded and dying soldiers, and 
the disorganized bands returning to their homes, 
soon told another story, and from that time the 
people of the Republic despaired of success. 

Had General Taylor been defeated and his little 
army destroyed at Buena Vista, the war would have 
been prolonged, and the enthusiasm of the Mexi- 
cans roused to new confidence and outlay of life and 
treasure. Doniphan's expedition from New Mexico 
into Chihuahua would have ended in final disaster, 
and subsequent victories by the United States in 
Mexico would have required far greater forces. 
This victory virtually ended operations in Northern 
Mexico. Buena Vista was a brilliant close to. the 
achievements of General Taylor's campaigns. Leav- 
ing General Wool in command of his troops, a large 



204 THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

part of whom were soon sent to General Scott, he 
returned to Louisiana on leave of absence, where he 
received ovations of grateful praise and honor that 
prepared for his subsequent elevation to the Presi- 
dency of the United States, 




CIT"i 




CRUZ. 



CHAPTER XXI. 
The Bombardment mid Capture of Vera Cruz. 

Naval operations — Arrival and landing of troops — Intrenchments 
and batteries— Investment of Vera Cruz — Return of the ene- 
my's fire — The progress of the bombardment — Remonstrances 
of foreigners — Request for armistice — Its refusal — Effects of 
the shot — Offer of surrender — Terms of capitulation — Amount 
of captures. 

The navy of the United States during the opera- 
tions of the war already described had been en- 
gaged in important but far less exciting and event- 
ful services than the army. The fleet under com- 
mand of Commodore Conner had blockaded all the 
eastern parts of Mexico, while Commodore Sloat 
had closed the ports on the Pacific, and taken pos- 
session of towns in Upper California. The ships of 
war on the eastern coast were now to share in the 
perils of the bombardment and capture of Vera 
Cruz. 

General Scott arrived off Vera Cruz, with most of 
the forces assigned to this campaign, on the 9th of 
March, 1847. Twelve thousand troops, including 
the divisions of Generals Worth, Twiggs, Quitman, 




2o6 THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 

and Pillow, which had joined the expedition at the 
mouth of the Rio Grande, were on board the frig- 
ates and transports that dropped anchor at Sacrifi- 
cios. This was a small island about one mile from 
the city, on which the Spanish invader Cortez 
landed in 1520 for the conquest of Mexico. Each 
ship and vessel had its appointed station. Sixty- 
five surf-boats, filled with nearly one hundred men, 
waited in line for the signal for landing. Then 
dashing forward simultaneously, with the strains 
of martial bands sweeping over the smooth waters 
of the bay, they neared the shore. As the boats 
touched the beach the foremost men leaped into 
the water and ran up the sandy shore in sight 
of the walls of Vera Cruz. In one hour General 
Worth's division, numbering four thousand five 
hundred men, were disembarked, and by the same 
precise arrangements of the commodore the whole 
army was landed in six hours without confusion or 
accident. The Mexicans offered no resistance ex- 
cept the harmless firing of round shot and shells 
from the distant guns of the fortress. 

The city of Vera Cruz contained a thousand 
houses and five thousand inhabitants. It had a 
population three times larger at the, beginning of 
the century. Its houses were built of stone, two 
stories high, with flat roofs and parapets. It was 



THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 207 

situated on a dry plain, behind which rose low sand- 
hills much cut up with arroyos and ravines, and 
covered with clusters of thick chapparal. The city 
was entirely surrounded with a heavy stone wall, 
two miles in circumference. This was armed by 
nine bastions, mounting one hundred guns. As 
many more guns and mortars were in the city and 
defences outside of the wall. Within these walls 
were five thousand troops beside the citizens, who 
were well armed. On an island about one mile in 
front of the city was the famous stone castle of San 
Juan d'Ulloa, built by the Spaniards in a.d. 1582 at 
a cost of forty millions of dollars. This was pro- 
tected by two hundred guns and a garrison of one 
thousand troops. The foundations of its walls were 
laid in the sea, and it had withstood the storms and 
waves of three centuries. 

General Scott carefully marked out the line of in- 
vestment of Vera Cruz. It extended from the edge 
of the bay on the north-west around the valleys and 
hills to the right. With the United States ships 
of war in the roadstead below and in the shallow 
harbor, the city and fortress were completely in- 
vested, and cut off from all communication, except 
with such ships of war in the bay as represented 
France, England, and Spain. 

The line of investment was completed by the 12th 



2o8 THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 

of March. Each division and regiment was as- 
signed its place. Their camps were hidden behind 
the hills, and the men occupying the trenches were 
so concealed that a distant view from the summit of 
the highest sand-hills gave few indications of the 
numbers of men investing the city. 

On the morning of the loth of March heavy firing 
began from both the city and castle, which was 
maintained for several days without intermission. 
Consequently the besieging operations were carried 
on with many difficulties and dangers. The sup- 
plies and munitions and armaments for the camps 
and fortifications had to be transported in the night, 
and the moving of heavy ordnance among these 
sand-hills and arroyos was greatly impeded. The 
chapparal had to be cut down for roads and the 
monstrous mortars pulled up and over ridges, in the 
darkness. The landing of the guns and stores from 
the fleet was also much delayed by " northers," 
which blew for two or three days at a time, while 
on land the Mexicans engaged in several brisk skir- 
mishes with the Americans in localities occupied by 
them outside of the city. 

By the 22d of March a heavy battery mounting 
seven ten-inch mortars was in position not farther 
than eight hundred yards from the city, though con- 
cealed from the enemy by the chapparal in front of 



THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 209 

it. Other preparations were so far completed on 
that day that the batteries could return the fire of 
the city and castle. General Worth held position 
on the right of the line facing the city, General 
Pillow held the centre in the rear, and General 
Twiggs the left, extending to the water's edge. 
The island of Sacrificios and the fleet below it were 
on the right of General Worth. General Scott now 
sent a summons to General Morales, the Governor 
and Commander-in-chief of the city of Vera Cruz, to 
surrender, announcing that the batteries were estab- 
lished for the speedy reduction of the city and that 
its investment by the American army and navy was 
complete. He offered to save its gallant defenders 
and its peaceful inhabitants, including women and 
children, from the inevitable horrors of a triumph- 
ant assault. He did not propose the surrender of 
the castle, not yet having armament sufficient to 
reduce it. General Morales returned a decided 
refusal to give up either the castle or city, and 
before the flag of truce had reached the American 
lines the cannon of the city fortifications were hurl- 
ing defiance at the forces of the United States. 

It was but a few minutes afterward that the 
heavy mortar battery, the guns above the trenches, 
and the light draft vessels of Commodore Perry's 
squadron that had come up near the city, were 



2IO THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 

ploughing the air in every direction with fiery shells 
and shrieking missiles of destruction, that fell like an 
iron storm upon the devoted city. With terrific 
thunders the guns of city and castle returned the 
firing with a sweeping cloud of shot that would have 
annihilated the assailants had they not been covered 
by the intrenchments and sand-hills. From the 
22d to the 23d the cannonading on both sides 
was incessant. A combatant thus describes the 
scenes of the first night and the next morning : 

" Observe the bright flashes there as they for the 
instant light up the battlements of the castle, and 
render the heavy volumes of smoke above it lumi- 
nous against the surrounding darkness. See the 
same from the vessels ; one instant, by the light 
you perceive the whole outline of the vessel, her 
masts, and spars, and smoke, and then all is dark, 
but again illumined ; above the whole, describing 
long arcs of circles high in the air, see the bomb- 
shells rising over and falling, shown in their courses 
by the fuses, which twinkle like bright red stars. 
Observe that flash ; notice the shell thus rising ; it 
takes its long sweep — it has fallen. How heavily 
must that iron mask of a hundred pounds have 
fallen from such a height as that. But look, the 
flash of the explosion brings out in view, for an 
instant, the domes and spires among which it de- 



THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 21 1 

scended. The report you cannot distinguish from 
the mingled roar of the whole. Several shells from 
both sides are in air at the same moment ; and in 
their high sweeps they cross each other in their 
lines of light. After gazing at the scene you may 
turn from it ; yet you will be drawn to look again. 
But the night wears away, and on the cold beach 
around you, the soldiers, spreading their blankets, 
and wrapping themselves in them, seek repose, care- 
less of the morrow's fate. 

" The cannonade and bombardment have kept up 
their continual thunder for the whole night, until 
about an hour since. The landing of shpt, shells, 
powder, cannon, and stores has not ceased ; fatigued 
men have been replaced by fresh ones, and all is yet 
going on. Another vessel has arrived, during the 
time, with thirteen additional mortars, and quanti- 
ties of shells, which are landing. Now there is a 
quiet in the storm of war ; the scene around is 
beautiful and grand. . . . The sun rises from his 
ocean bed, and his rays brighten up the magnifi- 
cent stone buildings of the city and the imposing 
battlements of the castle ; the Mexican flag, of 
green, red, and yellow, floats in the morning air 
from the lofty staffs above them ; while from every 
mast in the crowded fleet the Stars and Stripes flow 
out in the light breeze. The signal flags are run up 



212 THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 

on the commodore's ship. These are responded to 
by the seven small vessels, which immediately move 
out and fall in a line opposite the castle, and about 
a mile from it. It is a dangerous position. There 
goes the smoke, the loud reports reverberate along 
the sand-hills in the still morning air. Their shells 
burst in and about the castle, but that seems to 
notice them not. But look, all along the battle- 
ments of the castle dart out sheets of flame and 
clouds of smoke ; around the vessels the water is 
thrown high, in perpendicular columns of dashing 
spray ; but the vessels are so small that, at the dis- 
tance, they are hard to hit ; amid the terrific hail 
of iron that is pouring upon them, they still keep 
up their fire. The batteries open on the land, and 
throw their shells into the city. The three mortars 
that went out last night are added to those in 
operation before. The peals of all are continual ; 
the tenfold number of cannon along the city walls 
reply in their thunders ; and in the immense vol- 
umes of smoke that rise from all, and hang over and 
among the domes, the destructive scene closes 
in." 

During the 23d, the firing on the American side 
slackened in the midst of a heavy storm. The next 
day a naval battery with very heavy guns was un- 
covered, having been erected and mounted behind 



THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 213 

a. growth of chapparal, only seven hundred yards 
from the walls of the city. Two thousand men had 
labored for several nights on this battery undiscov- 
ered by the enemy, who were greatly astonished 
when in their sight a few daring volunteers felled 
the trees that concealed it. The guns of the city 
were all concentrated upon it in vain, and when it 
opened upon the city its effect was terrible, breach- 
ing the walls, dismounting guns, and silencing whole 
batteries of the Mexicans. The same evening the 
consuls of Great Britain, France, Spain, and Prussia 
within Vera Cruz sent a memorial to General Scott 
asking for a truce, in which to withdraw neutrals 
and Mexican women and children from their peril- 
ous situation. The request was refused, on the 
ground that till the 22d the neutrals had been 
warned to leave the city under the protection of 
safeguards offered them by General Scott, and to 
seek safety in the vessels of their own governments 
in the harbor ; immunity had been also offered to 
the helpless women and children, but refused. 
Now, only with the proposal of surrender from Gen- 
eral Morales could a truce be granted. 

On the 25th five batteries on land were hurling a 
terrible fire upon the city, and yet the Mexicans 
maintained a spirited and brave defence. When 
their flag-staff was shot away their soldiers, regard- 



214 THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 

less of shot and shell, leaped from the battlements 
to the ground to rescue their flag, and then climbed 
back, holding their colors aloft amid the cheers of 
their foes. But their beautiful city was crumbling 
to ruins, their walls and houses were falling from 
their foundations. Massive stones, and corpses of 
men, and carcasses of animals blocked the streets in 
confused heaps. 

The stone roofs were insufificient protection from 
the ponderous shells which came crashing through 
them. In one place where a meeting of the citizens 
was being held a single shell had pierced the thick 
stone wall and exploded, in a single moment killing 
and wounding scores of persons. Whole families 
were thus destroyed and buried under the ruins of 
their shattered mansions. Frightened women and 
children praying at the altars of the churches had 
been mangled by the shells and balls piercing the 
roofs. The very sepulchres had been torn open by 
cannon-balls and their dead bodies exposed to view. 
The troops too were falling fast. 

At last the citizens could no longer endure these 
incessant terrors of impending death, and all united 
in entreating General Morales to surrender. 

A flag of truce was sent at last, asking of the 
Americans six hours to bury their dead. The 
request was granted and the firing ceased. On the 



THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 215 

26th, new guns and mortars were in position, and 
General Scott was about to organize parties to carry 
the city by assault, when he received overtures of 
surrender from General Landero, acting in the place 
of General Morales. On the 27th the commissioners 
having arranged articles of capitulation, they were 
ratified by the commanders-in-chief on both sides. 
The garrison was by the terms of capitulation to 
be surrendered as prisoners of war, to lay down 
their arms, and then to be released on parole not to 
serve again in the war till exchanged. The Mexi- 
can ofBcers were allowed their arms and private 
property and were paroled. All public property, in- 
cluding the forts and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa with 
their armaments, was surrendered to the United 
States, while absolute protection to the property 
and persons of the citizens, and their religious free- 
dom, were guaranteed by the United States. On 
the 29th of March the ceremony of surrender was 
performed on a plain in the rear of the city. Gen- 
eral Worth received the submission of the con- 
quered army. The Mexican troops marched into 
the interior, having stacked their arms, colors, and 
equipments. At the same time the American 
forces entered the city, and General Scott sent from 
the palace of Vera Cruz to Washington the an- 
nouncement, " The flag of the United States of 



2l6 THE CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ. 

America floats triumphantly over the walls of this 
city and the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. " 

There is a sad undertone in the shouts for such a 
victory and in the after scenes of sorrow and des- 
olation which long abide in human hearts and 
homes. Monterey under the shadow of the moun- 
tains and Vera Cruz by the sea already bore pitiful 
witness to the ruthless ravages of war, while the fair- 
est fields of Mexico were drenched with the best 
blood of her gallant sons. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
The March to the Capital City of Mexico. 

Consternation of the Mexican people — Arrival of Santa Anna at 
the Capital — Reconciliation of factions— He assumes command 
— Cerro Gordo — Its defences — General Scott's plan of attack — 
Turning the left — Storming the hill by regulars — Wounding of 
General Shields — Assault by Pillow — Mexican losses. 

The fall of Vera Cruz carried consternation to the 
capital city of Mexico and throughout the Republic. 
But the people with heroic spirit rallied again to the 
defence of their country under the leadership of 
Santa Anna. His journey from the north after the 
disaster of Buena Vista, which had been falsely pro- 
claimed by himself as a victory, had called forth 
ovations. Deputations came out from the principal 
cities and states to greet and acknowledge him as 
their deliverer from the ruin threatened by the armies 
of the invaders. They blindly clung to his fortunes. 
He had more of the prestige springing from suc- 
cess in governing than any other man in Mexico, 
and after every defeat had arisen to some new and 
more extended exercise of power, 

Mexico, the capital, was, however, the scene of 



2i8 THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 

another revolution. The acting President, Gomez 
Farias, had incurred the bitter hostility of the cler- 
gy by attempting to levy a war tax of five millions 
of dollars on church property. The citizens were 
divided in their support of the existing govern- 
ment. For days the streets had been barricaded, 
and convents and public buildings had been seized, 
while the people were engaged in shooting at one 
another, without much loss on either side. 

Santa Anna, having waited his time for action, 
now approached the capital as mediator. He recon- 
ciled the factions, and at the same time, by the arts 
of political intrigue in which he was such an adept, 
secured his own installation on the 23d of March, 
1847, ^■s President of the Republic. 

In the joy and acclamations of the people over 
this event, money was freely subscribed, citizens 
were enrolled in the army, and fortifications pre- 
pared for defence in and around the city. As Santa 
Anna was leaving the capital to take command of 
the army, he issued an address, in words of exalted 
patriotism and self-sacrifice, to the people of Mex- 
ico, whom he implored to be ready to die with him- 
self, fighting for their country and its independence, 
now in such imminent peril from the American hosts 
advancing to attack the imperial capital. 

The route of Santa Anna toward Vera Cruz led 



THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 219 

through Puebla, Perote, and Jalapa. Gathering 
troops at each of these places and borrowing money 
to pay them, his army was increased to thirteen 
thousand men and forty-two pieces of artillery by the 
time he reached Cerro Gordo, a pass in the moun- 
tains, sixty miles from Vera Cruz and twenty-seven 
from Jalapa. This pass was on a part of his own 
private estate, which included the whole slope of 
the mountains for ninety miles from Jalapa to Vera 
Cruz, and gave him at once the climate and prod- 
ucts of both the torrid and temperate zones. The 
ground he had chosen on which to resist the march 
of General Scott's army had been the scene of many 
conflicts. It was almost impregnable to attack from 
the direction of Vera Cruz. The heights overhang- 
ing the road were strongly fortified and bristling 
with guns. His right rested on a ravine with per- 
pendicular sides several hundred feet high ; his left 
was on the hill of Cerro Gordo, nine hundred and 
fifty feet above the river on its southern side. His 
whole line faced hills along which extended for miles 
the road that at last passed directly through its 
centre. The road from Vera Cruz as it approaches 
the pass first crosses a creek and then a narrow plain 
lying under the shadow of the mountains and crags. 
Through this Plan de Rio, extending into a deep 
ravine toward the west, flowed the creek. The 



220 THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 

groups of massive hills and steep ravines, among 
which the winding road was hidden, made a most 
difficult battle-ground. It was the scene of one of 
the fiercest conflicts of the war. From the ravine 
of the river to the height of Cerro Gordo, a distance 
of two or three miles, a series of forts threatened the 
most desperate assaults with defeat. The road, 
turning sharply to the right from the bridge, passed 
up among the hills over a ridge which was com- 
pletely enfiladed by these forts, before the defile 
itself could be reached by an army climbing to this 
mountainous region toward the capital of Mexico. 

The advance of the American army, under com- 
mand of General Twiggs, arrived at Plan de Rio, 
April nth. General Scott himself with the other 
divisions of his army joined him on the 14th, and a 
reconnoissance showed such difficulties of attack in 
front, that it was determined to turn the position of 
the enemy by cutting a new road along mountain 
slopes and through ravines out of sight of the ene- 
my till it should meet the Jalapa road in the rear 
of the Mexican army. 

The construction of this road was unknown to the 
enemy until the 17th of April, when the working 
parties were fired upon from the Mexican lines. 
The Jalapa road was however almost reached, and the 
division of General Twiggs, supported by Shields' 



THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 221 

division of volunteers, was ordered to take a posi- 
tion by this road, in the rear of the Mexicans, and 
occupy heights near to Cerro Gordo. Two or three 
regiments of infantry and artillery, under the leader- 
ship of Colonel Harney, Majors Sumner and Childs, 
drove three thousand Mexicans before them, 
charged to the summit of one of these hills, and 
then forced the Mexicans over two other heights, 
till they sought shelter in the Tower of Cerro Gordo 
itself, completely routed by the impetuous onsets of 
the Americans, who halted at last within one hun- 
dred and fifty yards of the Tower. On the highest hill 
thus captured, commanding all others except Cerro 
Gordo, a thousand men were employed during the 
night in raising a battery of three twenty-four- 
pounder guns and howitzers, lifting them up the 
steep, rugged sides of the height with immense diffi- 
culty. 

All arrangements had now been made successfully 
for the stern and bloody conflict of the morrow, and 
General Scott issued detailed orders for each divis- 
ion and brigade with the confidence of a victor. 

The morning of the i8th was transparently 
clear. A cloudless blue sky hung over the hills, 
and a cool breeze fanned the combatants. Eight 
thousand Mexicans were awaiting attack behind for- 
tifications, and six thousand reserves, on the plain in 



222 THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 

the rear of Cerro Gordo close to the Jalapa road, 
were ready to march to the most exposed part of 
their line of defence. General Scott's command 
did not number more than eight thousand. 

General Twiggs' division was in motion at sun- 
rise. To the regulars of the First Brigade was com- 
mitted the storming of Cerro Gordo. Many were 
veterans of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Mon- 
terey. Colonel Harney was to lead them. Seeing 
the enemy advancing to support the Mexicans on 
Cerro Gordo, he detached a regiment to hold them 
in check. Then rushing down the hill into the 
ravine, his men began to climb the steep rocks in the 
face of a deadly fire from the Tower and the barri- 
cades nearer to the assailants. It was a fearful 
struggle to surmount those rocks and precipices, 
carry one barricade after another under a pitiless 
hail of bullets, and at last sweep over the ramparts 
of the Tower and drive its defenders, beaten in this 
terrific fight with every advantage in their favor, 
down the mountain-side. But so they fought and 
Avon the key to the whole position of the enemy. 
Their general-in-chief was with intense eagerness 
watching their unfaltering progress, and their chival- 
rous leader ever cheering them by his presence at 
their head and his clear voice of command. Their 
comrades in the ravine below were no less steady 



THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 223 

and efficient in their determined resistance to the 
enemy's reinforcement. 

The remainder of Twiggs' division were not less 
successful farther to the enemy's left. The Second 
Brigade, under Colonel Riley, climbed the height of 
Cerro Gordo in the rear and reached the summit at 
about the same time with those who had assailed it 
in front. Still farther to the enemy's left Shields' 
volunteers engaged the Mexicans discovered to be 
holding position, with a battery of five guns and a 
large force of infantry and cavalry, on the Jalapa 
road. General Shields here fell dangerously wound- 
ed. His men, under command of Colonel Baker, 
charged the Mexicans. A sharp conflict for a few 
minutes decided the issue of this part of the battle. 
Seeing the American flag waving over Cerro Gordo 
the Mexicans fled, leaving guns, camp equipage, and 
provisions to the Americans. 

To General Pillow had been assigned the assault 
on the fortifications on the enemy's right. These 
could be approached only by a difficult path 
through chapparal over the rocky hills. The river 
batteries enfiladed his first position, from which he 
retreated. Organizing a storming column under 
Colonel Haskell, it was almost obliterated by a 
galling fire of grape and musketry, and ere his third 
column of attack was engaged, Cerro Gordo had 



2 24 THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 

fallen, and the Mexican general, La Vega, cut off 
from all support, surrendered to him, with three 
thousand men, the forts which he had with great 
skill and bravery commanded as the post of great- 
est peril that day. Before mid-day the battle 
was ended, and the remnants of the Mexican army 
numbering eight thousand men, with Santa Anna and 
his generals at their head, were in full retreat, pur- 
sued with relentless fury by Harney's dragoons and 
the commands of Worth and Twiggs, till darkness 
fell. The Americans halted not more than ten miles 
from Jalapa. 

The storming of Cerro Gordo was another brilliant 
exploit of American arms. The spoils of battle 
were great. Forty-three pieces of bronze artillery, 
with a large amount of ammunition and three thou- 
sand prisoners, including five generals, fell to the vic- 
tors. Their loss in killed and wounded was four 
hundred and thirty-one. The casualties of the Mexi- 
cans were nearly twelve hundred. Generals Shields 
and Pillow were both wounded, and a large number 
of gallant officers disabled or killed. 

The prisoners of war were released on parole, and 
the army again set forward to the capture of Ja- 
lapa, and of the town and castle of Perote, which 
offered no resistance. But General Worth received 
at the latter place, from the hands of the Mexican 



I 



THE MARCH TO THE CAPITAL CITY. 225 

commissioner, fifty-four guns and mortars, eleven 
thousand and sixty-five cannon-balls, fourteen thou- 
sand bombs and hand grenades, and five hundred 
muskets. 

Within two weeks General Worth's command and 
Quitman's brigade of volunteers marched toward the 
city of Puebla. After a slight skirmish with three 
thousand of Santa Anna's cavalry about twelve 
miles from the city, on the 15th of May, Worth's 
whole division, numbering four thousand men, en- 
camped in the Grand Plaza of Puebla, where they 
were delayed for many weeks. Into this city of 
eighty thousand inhabitants this little army marched, 
with such plainness of uniform and equipments and 
such quietness of demeanor, that the astonished 
Pueblans could not restrain their reproaches of their 
own countrymen, whose proud armies had gone 
forth to conquer, as they supposed, physical giants 
in splendid armor, but had returned broken, disor- 
ganized, and routed by such ordinary troops. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

General Scott's Success/til Progress toward Mexico. 

Mexican patriotism — Address to the Mexicans by General Scott — 
Changes in the army, and reinforcements — The march re- 
sumed — The Valley of Mexico — Fortifications of the Capital — 
Its approaches — Reconnoissances — Attacks on Contreras — 
Capture of cannon — Assault of San Antonio and Churubusco 
— Knocking at the gates of the Capital. 

The Mexican army was discouraged by its over- 
whelming defeat at Cerro Gordo. The Mexican 
people under their repeated disasters were roused to 
seek vengeance. The papers of the country and the 
capital were filled with appeals to the citizens cv^ry- 
where to arise and exterminate their hated foes. 
The Congress of Mexico passed resolutions declaring 
the necessity of strengthening the central govern- 
ment, adopting measures to carry on the war and 
preserve the Republic, and denouncing as traitor 
any officer or private citizen who should treat with 
the United States Government for peace or aliena- 
tion of any part of the territory of the Republic. 
It distrusted both Santa Anna and the priest- 
hood, and sought thus to intimidate them. The 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 227 

States of San Luis, Mexico, Zacatecas, Jalisco, and 
Queretaro bound themselves by a solemn league to 
preserve the unity of the Republic, and protested 
that they would never consent to any convention 
or treaty of peace with the North American enemy 
so long as he should threaten or occupy the capital 
or any part of the Mexican Republic, and that they 
would moreover aid the national government by their 
private resources, and sustain the national credit and 
honor. 

In accordance with these resolutions, on the ist 
of May the city of Mexico was declared in a state 
of siege, and a decree was issued by General Bravo, 
the commander-in-chief of the Army of the Centre, 
calling upon all Mexicans between the ages of sixteen 
and sixty to enroll themselves for the defence of the 
capital, unless they would be considered and treated 
as traitors. A guerilla war was also proclaimed, 
whose motto Vv^as, " War without pity unto death." 

On the 17th of May General Scott issued a proc- 
lamation to the Mexican nation, skilfully showing 
them the oppressive acts of their government and 
their misfortunes in war ; declaring the honorable 
intentions and conduct of the American army, the 
desire of the United States Government for peace 
and friendship, and a termination of the war that 
should preserve to the Mexican people their religious 



228 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 

and civil liberty, their homes and families inviolate, 
and their national honor. Warning them of the 
evils of retaliation for guerilla warfare, should it be 
allowed, he promised to address them from their cap- 
ital, to which he was marching. 

But such appeals to a nation whose hatred had 
been intensified by defeat in every encounter with 
American troops was in vain. Wounded pride led 
the Mexicans to more desperate efforts to retrieve 
their fortunes and honor in battle, and they were 
more adverse to negotiations of peace than before 
their disasters. And though the Administration sent 
a commissioner, Mr. N. P. Trist, to Mexico with full 
powers to conclude a definitive treaty of peace with 
the Mexican Government, his overtures were re- 
jected by the Mexican Congress. 

General Scott's army by the ist of June was 
greatly reduced by sickness, and by the expiration of 
the term of service of seven regiments of volunteers. 
It numbered less than six thousand men. Early in 
July reinforcements arrived, numbering about two 
thousand more. A month later Brigadier-General 
Franklin Pierce, afterward President of the United 
States, joined General Scott at Pueblo with about 
twenty-four hundred men. On August 7th the 
com.mandcr-in-chief resumed his march for the 
capital with ten thousand seven hundred and thirty- 



I 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 229 

eight men, nearly one half of whom were new and 
untried soldiers, fresh from the pursuits of civil life, 
except for the discipline to which they had for a few 
months been subjected in Pueblo. 

Leaving only five hundred men to garrison Pueb- 
lo, and protect eighteen hundred sick soldiers in the 
hospital. General Scott went forth inspired, as were 
his men, with the belief that nothing could pre- 
vent their capture of Mexico, His army con- 
sisted of a cavalry brigade under Colonel Harney, 
and the divisions of Generals Worth, Twiggs, Pillow, 
and Quitman. General Twiggs was in advance, led 
by Harney's dragoons, and Pillow brought up the 
rear, the divisions marching not more than five 
hours apart. Their route was for the first day 
through a richly cultivated country, and the estates 
of wealthy proprietors, who had surrounded them- 
selves with every luxury. The towering peaks of 
Popocatepetl, over three miles high, and its snow- 
crowned neighboring summit Iztaccihuatl, were in 
full view, as were also the ruins of the Aztec pyra- 
mid of Cholula, where Cortez found a city of two 
hundred thousand inhabitants. On the second day 
the army entered a mountainous region, till Rio 
Frio was reached. It was fifty miles from Pueblo, 
and at an elevation of ten thousand one hundred 
and twenty-two feet above the sea. 



230 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 

A few miles beyond Rio Frio they came suddenly 
upon an enchanting vision of the valley of Mexico. 
It was a dazzling picture of earthly beauty. The 
rich spring verdure of the plains dotted with the 
white walls of villages and haciendas, the silvery 
lines of mountain streams, the blue surfaces of lakes 
whose shores, winding about the base of mountains, 
stretched far into the green valleys and the hills 
rising to lofty ranges white with snow and glistening 
beneath the soft blue sky, all presented a scene that 
made the romance of Spanish conquests in the days 
of Montezuma appear like the truths of sober history. 

Descending these lofty heights, General Twiggs' 
division halted on the nth of May at Ayotla, 
fifteen miles from the capital. Worth on the next 
day arrived at Chalco, five miles distant across the 
lake of Chalco, but ten miles around its shore, on 
which were halting, between the positions of Twiggs 
and Worth, the divisions of Pillow and Quitman. 
The headquarters of the commander-in-chief were 
at Ayotla. 

The United States troops were now in the midst 
of a populous country, surrounded by enemies that 
might have arisen en masse and crushed them. The 
Mexicans were indeed in a state of great activity, 
fortifying their city and manufacturing cannon, 
powder, and other munitions of war for its defence. 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 231 

The plan of operations adopted was for Santa Anna 
to await in his intrenchments the attack of the 
Americans, and for General Valencia, with the 
Northern army, composed of the best troops of 
Mexico, to assail them in their rear. 

Seven miles beyond Lake Chalco toward the 
north was Lake Tezeuco, near the western shore 
of which the capital city is situated. The national 
road between the two lakes is for much of the dis- 
tance a narrow causeway running over marshy 
ground. The long, narrow lake of Xochimilco, 
separated on the west from Lake Chalco by a strip 
of land, extends along the foot of the hills and 
mountains northward toward the capital, and nearly 
reaching the Acapulco road. The approaches to 
Mexico on both these roads had fortifications of 
immense strength. On the first was the formi- 
dable position of El Peiion, a lofty hill commanding 
the thoroughfare, absolutely inaccessible on one 
side, and on its other sides armed with three tiers 
of batteries mounting fifty guns, and surrounded 
by marshes and a ditch twenty-four feet wide, filled 
with water ten feet deep. On the southern and 
south-western sides of the city were the fortifications 
which guarded the Acapulco road at San Antonio 
and Contreras, the convent, and the bridge of 
Churubusco, with the fortress of Chapultepec. 



232 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 

A bold reconnoissance within five miles of the 
city and near El Pefion led General Scott to 
abandon the plan of storming that position, and 
aided by information acquired by Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Duncan in another successful reconnoissance 
to the south, he determined to approach the capital 
along the southern shores of Lake Chalco and west 
of Xochimilco, by the Acapulco road carrying the 
fortifications in that direction instead of those strong 
eastern defences on the national road, where the 
enemy expected the principal assault of their works. 

General Worth's division now took the lead, fol- 
lowed by Generals Pillow and Quitman. General 
Twiggs remained in the rear at Ayotla for one day, 
still threatening the fortifications of El Pefion and 
Mexicalcingo, which were to be avoided by this 
movement. By a slow and painful march over a 
circuitous route of twenty-seven miles, where the 
road was 'filled with rocks, or made difficult by 
marshes along the shores of Lake Chalco, the 
divisions were again united May i8th, near San 
Augustine and the Acapulco road. 

The hill of Contreras was about four miles from 
the village of San Augustine. Besides its fortifica- 
tions, mounting twenty-two cannon, it was occupied 
by General Valencia with seven thousand of the 
bravest soldiers in the Mexican army. General Santa 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 233 

Anna with twelve thousand men held a position in 
front of the village of Contreras, and between the 
hill and Churubusco. Three thousand troops under 
General Bravo were at San Antonio, and General 
Ruicon held from seven to nine thousand at the head 
of the bridge of Churubusco. Still farther north 
and west of the capital was a third approach to it 
over the road to Toluca. Molino del Rey and the 
fortress of Chapultepec were the defences on this 
road. 

It will be seen that only by a series of sanguinary 
engagements could these different fortifications be 
reduced and the thoroughfares to the capital city on 
which they stood be cleared for the march of the 
American troops into its streets. 

General Scott's headquarters had now been moved 
to San Augustine. On the 19th a rcconnoissance 
revealed a route through the villages of San Angel 
and Cuyoacan to Churubusco, by which San Antonio 
might be avoided and the hill of Contreras taken by 
assault. The divisions of Generals Pillow and 
Twiggs were ordered to make a road through chap- 
paral and over ravines on- this route for artillery. At 
two o'clock P.M. Smith's brigade reached the summit 
of a hill with Magruder's battery, and found them- 
selves within two hundred yards of Valencia's in- 
trenchments and the masses of infantry defending 



234 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 



his camp, and a deep ravine between the road and 
the enemy's works to the front and left. Pushing for- 
ward his batteries to a better position, Smith, sup- 
ported by General Pierce's brigade, engaged for two 
hours in an unequal contest of five guns with 
twenty-two, when he withdrew with a loss of fif- 
teen artillerists and thirteen horses. Riley's brigade 
meanwhile, in tiying to force a position on the San 
Angel road in the rear of the enemy, though sup- 
ported by Cadwalader, had been hard pressed by 
two or three thousand infantry from the Mexican 
camp, and as many cavalry from Santa Anna's 
reserves. Though hemmed in, he skilfully extri- 
cated himself and joined Smith's brigade at the 
village of Contreras late in the evening, where 
Cadwalader had also taken position, and later still 
the brigade of Shields. Without having gained any 
advantage over the Mexicans by such hard fighting, 
they were now surrounded by eighteen thousand 
Mexicans, and within range of the batteries on the 
hill of Contreras. Their situation was indeed 
desperate. It rained heavily, torrents of water 
choked the streams running near them, and they 
stood in the darkness drenched and dispirited, when 
a route through a ravine to the rear of Valencia's 
fortifications was discovered. General Smith formed 
a plan to storm the hill and surprise that Mexican 



1 



I 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 235 



general, quite off his guard and confidently awaiting 
the morrow. 

At three o'clock a.m. the troops began their 
difficult ascent through the ravine, and obtained a 
position screened from the batteries by a hill, 
within five hundred yards of the enemy's works. 
Cadwalader was coming up the ravine to support 
Riley's command, thus waiting the order to dash 
forward, while Smith's brigade, under Major Dom- 
inick, turned to the left to meet a body of Mexican 
cavalry, and a division was made in front of the hill 
by troops sent from San Augustine. At sunrise 
General Smith gave the word of command. With a 
volley from the rifles to aid the storming party, the 
men rushed forward, climbed the parapet v/ith 
tremendous cheers and engaged in a hand-to-hand 
conflict, clashing swords and clubbing muskets 
with the enemy, who, completely surprised and 
thrown into confusion by assaults in front and rear, 
were slaughtered in masses. Overcome by the onset 
of the Americans, they threw down their arms and 
sought flight in all directions. Five hundred forced 
into a narrow pass surrendered to thirty men as 
prisoners of war ; Smith's brigade having charged 
the Mexican cavalry, turned back upon the enemy 
fleeing from Riley's attack in the rear. The action 
on the hill lasted but seventeen minutes. The 



236 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 

pursuit was continued as far as San Angel, and great 
numbers fell dead and wounded in the road. The 
spoils of this brilliant assault were very great. It 
was the happy lot of Captain Drum to discover in 
two of the captured guns the pieces that had been 
lost by him, after heroic service, at Buena Vista. 
The men at sight of these guns, wild with delight, 
raised tremendous cheers, and rushed forward to 
embrace them like lost children. Nothing could 
have inspired them more in the heat of the charge 
than the unexpected restoration of these strange 
pets, in the defence of which they had repeatedly 
imperilled their lives. 

The captures included thousands of small arms, 
and eight hundred and thirteen prisoners, including 
eighty-eight ofificers and four generals. Forty-five 
hundred American troops were engaged in this fight, 
with over seven thousand Mexicans, who were posted 
behind strong intrenchments. One road to the 
capital was opened should the others remain closed. 
The Mexican reserve, which had been unable to enter 
the conflict, was obliged to fall back upon Contreras. 
It seems incredible that while the American loss was 
only about fifty, seven hundred of the enemy were 
killed. 

To open a short road for the siege train to the 
capital and another approach from the front to 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 237 

Churubusco by the causeway leading through San 
Antonio, General Scott now ordered General Wortli 
to capture the enemy's works at San Antonio. In 
this attack he was to be supported by Cadwalader's 
brigade of Pillow's division, and if successful, these 
two divisions were to unite and hasten forward to 
Churubusco, two miles distant by the causeway. 
At the same time General Twiggs was ordered to 
move upon Churubusco by a road from Cuyocan, 
only one mile distant. Shields was to cross the 
Churubusco River, seize the causewa}^ between 
Churubusco and the capital, and cut off the re- 
treat of its garrison to the city. 

General Twiggs, with Smith's and Riley's brigades 
in advance, found at San Pablo de Churubusco very 
formidable works. The fortification was the thick 
high wall of a hacienda, forming a square with a 
stone building higher than the wall, and a stone 
church with a tower. Both these buildings were 
pierced with loopholes for musketry. Outside the 
wall were two field-works mounting ten cannon, and 
guarding the causeway, and having a garrison of 
over two thousand men ; while the surrounding 
corn-fields were filled with skirmishers, whose range 
covered the causeway for a mile. 

It was necessary to attack the enemy at once. 
Taylor's battery and a regiment of infantry took a 



238 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 

position fronting the church or convent, which 
they held under a tremendous fire of grape, canister, 
musketry, and round shot, and for two hours in- 
flicted by their admirable and precise firing a heavy 
loss upon the enemy. Shields' movement meeting 
too strong an opposition, he managed to get in front 
of the enemy and joined in the battle, which now at 
mid-day was fought with unflinching perseverance 
and gallantry on both sides. 

An hour before noon, General Worth had begun 
his attack of San Antonio. A brigade had suc- 
ceeded in nearly gaining the causeway between 
Antonio and Cliurubusco, while another portion of 
his division was attacking in front. The garrison, 
fearful of their position, and hoping to retreat up- 
on Cliurubusco, evacuated their works. The two 
American brigades now joined in the pursuit, one 
hurrying through the deserted fortifications, while 
the other broke the column of Mexicans on the 
causeway. Still pursuing, the Americans came up to 
San Pablo and the other field-work beyond, both 
which fortifications were swarming with Mexicans. 
This field-work at the head of the bridge was capt- 
ured by a charge of the infantry regiment, and its 
guns turned upon the church and hacienda. The 
artillery was now hotly engaged till the Mexicans 
were driven from the work outside of San Pablo. 



GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 239 

After half an hour of concentrated firing upon San 
Pablo, its ramparts were carried by a charge of the 
Third Infantry, when the garrison surrendered. The 
enemy now began to give way further to the left, 
and retreated, pursued by the troops of Worth's 
division up the road from Churubusco. 

In the mean time General Shields was engaging 
the Mexican reserve, consisting of four thousand 
infantry and three thousand cavalry. Deploying his 
command to right and left, he moved steadily for- 
ward upon them till he saw them waver. Then order- 
ing a charge with bayonet the line of the enemy was 
broken, and he put them to rout at the same time 
that those fleeing from Churubusco were crowding 
the road. In terrible confusion, cavalry and infantry 
intermingled in one wild, panic-stricken mass, the 
Mexican troops were cut down, sabred by pursuing 
dragoons, or, driven by terror, were scattered in every 
direction. The Americans rode up to the very gates 
of the capital and leaped into their intrenchments, 
but were punished for their rashness by a severe fire 
of grape, in which several officers and men were 
killed or severely wounded. 

On that 20th of August, the American troops, 
numbering but nine thousand, and contending with 
at least twenty-seven thousand Mexicans defending 
their own capital, captured three formidable posi- 



240 GENERAL SCOTT'S SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS. 

tions and won three victories. They killed and 
wounded three thousand two hundred and fifty of 
the enemy, took two thousand six hundred and 
twenty-seven prisoners, and over two hundred 
officers, including eight generals. Their own loss 
was sixteen officers and one hundred and twenty 
men killed, and sixty officers, eight hundred and 
sixteen wounded. This was indeed a stubbornly 
contended battle. The Mexicans poured out their 
blood like water in the defence of their country's 
honor. The courage and perseverance of the Am- 
ericans were more than equal for their desperation 
and patriotism. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Capture of the Otitiuorks of Mexico. 

The armistice — Negotiations for peace — Molino del Rey — Casa 
de Mata. 

The city of Mexico was within the grasp of the 
American army, who had most valiantly won it. 
The Mexican troops were demoralized by their sig- 
nal defeats. They could not justly claim a single 
victory in all the war. The citizens in the capital 
weie filled with consternation as they saw the vic- 
torious enemy riding up to their very gates. The 
next morning they should have entered the streets 
and completed the capture of the city. That 
would indeed have conquered a peace. But the 
triumphant march of the heroic little army was 
checked at the moment when it should have been 
grandly finished. Diplomacy and dissimulation 
gained another advantage. General Scott had won 
the highest praise for fearless, prompt, and skilful 
leadership in this brilliant campaign. He suddenly 
became magnanimous, over-prudent, and humane in 
dealing with a wily foe, whose spirit was not 



242 CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 

broken, when he should have pushed him hard till 
he yielded the peace for which the war had been 
fought. Thus he would have saved many precious 
and honored lives. 

On the morning of the 2 1st of August commis- 
sioners were sent from the city asking for a truce, 
which was refused. General Scott, being admon- 
ished by friends of peace and neutral residents not 
to drive the Mexican Government to a spirit of 
desperation, sent a proposal of an armistice to Santa 
Anna for the purpose of arranging and signing a 
treaty of peace. That negotiations to that effect 
would be very acceptable had already been inti- 
mated by the commissioners seeking a truce. 

By the armistice agreed upon, on the 23d day 
of August hostilities were to cease within thirty 
leagues of the capital ; no reinforcements should be 
allowed to either army, nor intrenchments made, 
nor either army moved ; nor the administration of 
justice or commerce among the Mexicans interfered 
with, pending the negotiations for peace. 

Every argument for the cessation of hostilities at 
this opportune time to strike a last and decisive 
blow was refuted by subsequent events. It was 
impolitic ; it endangered the American array ; it 
made the last act of war more difficult and bloody. 
All the necfotiations between Mr. Trist and the 



CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 243 

Mexican commissioners failed. Tlie Mexican Gov- 
ernment was not yet humbled enough to accept 
the terms of the treaty which the United States 
demanded. These terms are of little consequence, 
therefore, to this history of events. The cession of 
New Mexico was the point in discussion upon 
which the negotiations finally fell through. On the 
7th of September the armistice was ended. On 
the loth and 13th of September, fifty American 
deserters captured in the battle of Churubusco 
fighting against their countrymen, having been pre- 
viously tried by court-martial, were publicly hung 
for the crime to which they had been tempted by 
the Mexican generals. 

During the armistice the American troops had 
been quartered at Tacubaya, General Scott's head- 
quarters, and in the surrounding villages. The city 
of Mexico could be entered by eight causeways 
raised about six feet above the surrounding marshes, 
and terminating the five main roads leading to the 
capital. General Scott chose to approach the city 
by the causeways of Belen and San Cosme, v/hich 
were defended by the formidable works of Molino 
del Rey, Casa de Mata, and the castle of Chapulte- 
pec. 

Chapultepec is an isolated rocky hill, surmount- 
ed by a stone building of imposing size. It was 



244 CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 

originally the bishop's palace, but converted into a 
strong fortress, heavily armed and garrisoned, it was 
now the most difficult defence to overcome in all 
the fortifications of the capital. Its western side, 
though the most accessible, showed a steep, rocky, 
and broken face above a grove of cypress rising from 
the base. 

Casa de Mata was a citadel a quarter of a mile 
west of Chapultepec. It was circled with intrench- 
ments and with deep, wide ditches, so that its garrison, 
who were among the choicest troops in the Mexican 
service, occupied two lines of defence. The Ameri- 
cans could have no just estimate of its well-concealed 
strength till they attempted its capture. It was 
used as a magazine. El Molino del Rey was situated 
at the foot of a slope adjoining the grove already 
mentioned. It contained a number of stone buildings, 
some of which were used as a foundry. It guarded 
the only approach to Chapultepec, and had been 
made as strong as possible to protect that fortress. 

Generals Scott and Worth together made an in- 
spection of these works, and General Worth was 
directed to capture them, destroy the cannon, ma- 
chinery, and powder supposed to be there, and 
then withdraw to Tacubaya for future operations 
on Chapultepec. Worth's division, reinforced by 
Cadvvalader's brigade, three companies of dragoons 



CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 245 

under Major Sumner, and a battery and siege guns 
under Captains Huger and Drum, numbered three 
thousand one hundred men. General Leon com- 
manded the left wing of the Mexican forces at 
Molino del Rey, General Perez the right wing at 
Casa de Mata, Santa Anna the centre, which was 
occupied by ten thousand infantry and a field 
battery. The Mexican forces exceeded fourteen 
thousand men. 

On the afternoon of the 7th of September it was 
discovered by a reconnoissance that the enemy was 
most weak in the centre of his line. The American 
troops at three o'clock the next morning took their 
appointed stations along a ridge sloping from Ta- 
cubaya, opposite the enemy's line, a brigade and 
part of a battery having been sent forward to the 
enemy's left to isolate Chapultepec from Molino 
del Rey. 

A storming party under Major Wright was posted 
so as to carry the centre of the Mexican line. The 
batteries were supported by brigades of infantry, 
Huger's being opposite El Molino, and Duncan's 
facing Casa de Mata. The cavalry were on the 
extreme left of the American line. 

The engagement opened at dawn by a severe 
cannonading of Molino del Rey by Huger's twenty- 
four pounders. Seizing a favorable moment when 



246 CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 

the effect of this firing was visible, the storming 
party of five hundred men dashed forward to their 
task, unterrified by the withering fire poured upon 
them by artillery and infantry in their front. They 
captured the battery in a bayonet charge, and turned 
the guns upon those who had just been defending 
them. It required but a few moments to reveal the 
strength of the assaulting party, and the Mexicans 
returned. From every direction, from the walls and 
tops of houses, and from the columns in the field, 
and behind intrenchments, their greatly superior 
numbers hurled a shower of balls upon the Ameri- 
cans. Eleven out of fourteen commissioned officers 
in the band were struck down. The men staggered 
under this fire. Supports were quickly sent to 
them, and joining anew in the terrible onset upon 
the rallying foe, they drove them in a final rout 
from their guns, which mowed them down in their 
retreat. 

Garland's brigade, with part of Duncan's battery, 
which had been sent forward toward Chapultepec, had 
also, after stubborn fighting and an assault, driven the 
Mexicans from their position under the guns of 
Chapultepec, thus forcing their left. It remained 
for Colonel Mcintosh, with his brigade and the 
remainder of Duncan's battery, to complete this 
victory by driving the Mexicans from their still 



CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 247 

stronger position at Casa de Mata on their extreme 
right. Fifteen hundred men held these works, 
beside the reinforcements which were being rapidly 
sent to them. The veteran brigade marched stead- 
ily upon the fortification. A sheet of flame and 
deadly musketry balls greeted them at short range. 
Another volley, and another, under which these 
fearless troops melted away with terrible rapidity. 
Still they pressed on to the very slope of the parapet 
of the battery around the citadel, and attempted to 
cross the ditch ; but nearly every officer had fallen, 
and the men fell back in confusion, only to rally 
again on the left of Duncan's guns. Sumner's 
dragoons now attempted to gain a better position, 
and passing within pistol range of Casa Mata, lost a 
great many men and officers, but were enabled to 
render most important service a few moments 
after\vard, for the enemy's cavalry were now moving 
rapidly to reinforce their right. Duncan's battery 
dashed forward to hold them in check, and poured 
such a hail of canister-shot upon them as to throw 
them in a few moments into confusion and retreat. 
Then turning back upon the works of Casa Mata, 
these guns having unobstructed range, began such 
precise and rapid discharges upon the fortification 
that its defenders could not endure the deadly 
Btorm, and in a short time abandoned it, fleeing 



248 CAPTURE OF THE OUTWORKS OF MEXICO. 

toward Chapultepec. The terrible duty of that day 
was done, but the sharp conflict of that morning in 
two hours had wrought a fearful carnage among 
those veteran troops. Seven hundred and twenty- 
nine men and fifty-eight officers were killed and 
wounded. The enemy's total loss in killed and 
wounded and prisoners was three thousand. Two 
of their ofificers, Generals Valdarez and Leon, 
next in command to Santa Anna, were killed. There 
were no adequate results for such a loss or such a 
victory. The foundry at Molino del Rey was dis- 
mantled, Casa de Mata was blown up, and both 
positions evacuated by the peremptory orders of 
General Scott, who would allow no assault upon 
Chapultepec, which could now, with the aid of rein- 
forcements, have been easily taken from the broken 
and dispirited enemy. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

TJie Storming of Chapultepec — Fall of the Capital. 

The causeway of San Cosm6— Chapultepec assailed and taken — 
Daring assaults— Seizing the approaches to the city — Stubborn 
resistance — The Belen Gate — Quitman's advance — Entering 
the city — Fearful slaughter — Nightfall — Surrender- — Forces en- 
gaged — Santa Anna resigns — The endurance of the Americans 
at Puebla — Battle of Huamantla— Death of Captain Walker — 
Exile of Santa Anna — General Scott relieved of his command. 

It was the rainy season in Mexico, and the great 
canal surrounding the capital, as well as the lesser 
ones within its circle, were filled with water. The 
difficulties of bridging these canals under fire were 
very great. The southern approaches were heavily 
guarded with four times the number of troops in 
General Scott's command. After several careful re- 
connoissances it was determined to attack the city 
from the west over the causeways of San Cosme or 
Tacubaya. To give the en^my the contrary impres- 
sion, General Scott on the nth of September or- 
dered Quitman's division from Coyoacan to join 
Pillow by daylight before the southern gates. These 
two divisions were directed by night to join Gen- 
eral Scott at Tacubaya, where Worth's command was 



250 THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 

stationed, leaving Twiggs' division and Riley's bri- 
gade with two batteries to threaten with great ac- 
tivity the southern entrances. It was imperative 
to capture Chapultepec. On the night of the nth, 
four batteries were posted at easy ranges to reduce 
the castle. During the whole of the 12th, their fire 
was directed upon it, driving most of its defenders 
outside the walls, and crippling the works. The 
next morning two assaulting columns, each of two 
hundred and fifty picked men from Worth's and 
Twiggs' divisions, furnished with scaling ladders, at a 
concerted signal advanced, from different directions, 
while the batteries threw shot and shells over their 
heads to prevent reinforcement of the works. 
Major-General Pillow was leading his division 
through the grove on the west side, when he was 
struck down by a dangerous wound, and Brigadier- 
General Cadwalader succeeded him. Worth had 
just sent Clark's brigade to reinforce Pillow, when 
he fell. Major-General Quitman was approaching 
the same works on the south-east over a causeway, 
without shelter and hindered by deep ditches, which 
were intersected by others on the meadows. 
Smith's brigade by a wide sweep to the right was 
coming up to face the enemy's line outside the 
work and capture two batteries at the foot of Cha- 
pultepec. 



THE STORMING OF CI/APULTEPEC. 251 

These simultaneous movements were watched with 
intense eagerness as the forces drew closer around 
the enemy and brought near the moments of fierce 
struggle for possession of the' fortress. 

On Pillow's side a broken rocky ascent was to be 
climbed, and a redoubt midway of the steep carried 
by our troops. Their officers led them, as they 
climbed the rocks and drove the enemy from the re- 
doubt. And now the scaling-ladders were raised 
against the castle walls. The first to mount are 
shot down, the boldest men pressing on give their 
lives to the attempt, but thus inspire those behind. 
Hurrying over the ground before the wall could be 
reached, while yet the Mexicans were disputing it, 
the Americans escaped the danger of the mines 
underneath, which could not be fired by the enemy 
without destroying their own men. Soon the ranks 
of the storming party filled up and they poured over 
the wall with ringing shouts, swept down the garri- 
son, that still opposed, and planted the American 
colors on the ramparts with long-continued cheers. 

On the south-east the assaulting column of Quit- 
man's division had been making equal progress. 
Smith's brigade had taken the two batteries in the 
road with numerous prisoners. Shields' brigade of 
New York, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania volun- 
teers had crossed the meadows, which were swept 



252 THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 

with a murderous fire from the enemy's ranks and 
guns. Entering the outer inclosure of the castle as 
their comrades on the west were making their last 
assault, they joined in the triumph of those moments 
which filled with terror the hearts of the Mexicans 
within the city gates. 

The ancient cypresses that had sheltered the Az- 
tec emperors in their luxurious residences on the 
hillside of Chapultepec had bowed again beneath the 
storms of another invasion that swept above and 
around the base of this historic mound like a thun- 
dering tempest over the tumultuous waves of an 
angry sea. • 

General Worth's division had been turning some 
minor works north of Chapultepec and was now 
advancing along the San Cosme causeway. This 
formed a double roadway on each side of a massive 
aqueduct of masonry with open arches and pillars. 
Quitman was pursuing the enemy along the similar 
causeway of Belen. 

As Shields was charging along this causeway with 
his volunteers, who, flushed with victory at Chapul- 
tepec, could not be satisfied with any less honor than 
the capture of the city, he was overtaken by an aide 
sent by General Scott to detain him till Worth had 
forced an entrance through the San Cosm6 gate. 
Riding up, the aide saluted the impetuous gener- 



THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 253 

al : " General Scott presents his compliments" — 
Shields comprehended at once his message, and in- 
terrupted him : 

" I have no time for compliments just now," and 
spurred on out of reach of the orders of the com- 
mander-in-chief. 

Despatching infantry and heavy guns to support 
both generals in their movements, Scott now 
joined Worth's column, which was within the 
suburb of the city and had passed the junction 
of the aqueduct with a broad highway from the 
west, where was found a strongly built but deserted 
fortification without guns. But the houses, gar- 
dens, and windows along the street were alive with 
Mexican skirmishers, with whom Worth was contend- 
ing. He had ordered up two howitzers, which were 
slowly moving forward preceded by soldiers forcing 
their way with bars and pickaxes through doors and 
walls. At eight o'clock in the evening his men had 
suitable shelter for the night and his guns were in 
position to break down the San Cosme gate, which 
was the only barrier between himself and the great 
square in front of the cathedral and palace in the 
centre of the city. His men had carried two bat- 
teries and the works at the garita, the Mexicans 
contending stubbornly and bravely for every foot of 
ground and every intrenchment, and slaying many 



254 THE STORMING OF CIIAPULTEPEC. 

by their incessant firing from their protected posi- 
tions. 

The force under General Quitman had been di- 
rected toward the Belen gate rather as a diversion 
from the main attack by Worth, But in the face of 
ciifilading firing, led by Smith's brigade and gal- 
lantly supported by Shields' command and Cap- 
tain Drum's howitzer, they wound around the pillars 
of the arches of the aqueduct, assailed by direct 
firing from the garita and cross-firing from the Paseo 
and Piedad causeways. At noon they had nearly 
reached the gate, when they sprang from the arches 
and charged upon this defence. It was captured, 
and the whole column by half-past one o'clock was 
within the inclosure and the city. But only three 
hundred yards beyond this v/as the citadel mounting 
fifteen guns, which began a most destructive fire 
upon them. Their situation was full of peril. Am- 
munition for their heavier guns had failed. Officers 
and men were falling fast. Captain Drum was killed, 
one of the most valiant and efficient officers of 
artillery in the service. Others shared his fate. 
The enemy, seeing that the ammunition of the 
Americans had failed, tried to recover their position, 
but were repulsed in each attempt, till darkness 
covered the men who were left to General Quitman, 
and ammunition could be obtained over the cause- 



THE STORMING OF CIIAPULTEPEC. 255 

way. Then placing some heavy guns in position they 
waited for the morning. A few defenders of the 
citadel surrendered, however, to General Quitman 
at daybreak. 

But before light on the morning of September 
14th, a deputation of the city council waited upon 
General Scott, announcing the evacuation of the 
capital by the Mexican army and the flight of the 
officers of government. They asked for terms of 
capitulation in favor of the municipal government 
and the church. These were stoutly refused by 
General Scott, who ordered Quitman and Worth to 
advance cautiously to the Grand Plaza. Worth was, 
however, halted at the Alameda or Green Park, 
Avhile to Quitman was given ri. - honor of unfurling 
the United States flag in the great plaza and over 
the National Palace containing the halls of Congress, 
where the commanding general soon after was re- 
ceived with triumphant cheers. 

But a severe contest continued for twenty-four 
hours longer between two thousand liberated con- 
victs and about two thousand Mexicans soldiers, who 
in desperation and fury fought the victorious army 
from housetops and every available shelter, till 
many more of the American troops and officers had 
fallen beneath their murderous attacks. They were 
finally conquered, and the army of the United 



2S6 THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEFEC. 

States, on the morning of the i6th of September, 
had undisputed possession of the Mexican capital. 

The city of Mexico was taken by an actual fight- 
ing force that, after leaving Chapultepec, did not 
number more than six thousand men. The total 
losses of the American army in the valley of Mexico 
were two thousand seven hundred and three, includ- 
ing three hundred and eighty-three ofificers. The 
Mexican losses were seven thousand in killed and 
wounded and three thousand seven hundred and 
thirty prisoners, equalling the whole number of 
Americans that marched into the valley. Among 
the spoils of these victories were twenty standards, 
seventy-five pieces of artillery, fifty-seven mounted 
cannon, and twenty thousand stand of arms. 

In these battles the volunteer troops of the United 
States had emulated the victories of the regulars in 
General Taylor's first engagements with the Mexi- 
can soldiers. The achievements of American arms 
in Mexico will ever be conspicuous for uninterrupt- 
ed successes, for the endurance, skill, courage, pa- 
tience, moderation, and individual heroism of the 
men who fought and died in these astonishing cam- 
paigns, which shattered and destroyed three finely 
equipped and disciplined armies, numbering over 
sixty thousand men. For three hundred and thirty 
years the descendants of the Spanish conquerors 



THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 257 

had maintained undisturbed their possession of the 
capital and valley of Mexico. Another foreign 
army, burning with enthusiasm, fearless of danger, 
steady in battle, but impetuous in the hour of 
desperate contest with vastly superior numbers, had 
now fairly won the coveted prizes of victory. 

Santa Anna resigned his presidency. Holding 
together about two thousand five hundred men, he 
determined to make one successful effort against the 
Americans, to cut off their communication with the 
sea, and to revive, if possible, the spirit of the Mexi- 
can soldiers. He marched to Puebla, where the 
American garrison of five hundred men, guarding 
eighteen hundred sick and disabled troops, had been 
attacked by the Mexican general Rea on the i8th 
of September. Surrounded by seventy thousand 
Mexican inhabitants, these troops under Colonel 
Childs heroically defended themselves, and having 
collected thirty cattle and four hundred sheep at the 
beginning of the attack, they would not yield their 
ground. They intrenched themselves in the plaza 
and also in part took shelter in a convent. Colonel 
Childs had six companies of infantry, two companies 
of artillery, and one of • cavalry. For thirty days 
they were under a constant musketry fire, till the 
1 2th of October. Santa Anna arrived with his com- 
mand on September 22d, and at his approach the 



258 THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 

bells of Puebla rang a joyful peal. His troops, com- 
bined with those of General Rea, made a force of 
eight thousand men. 

Santa Anna sent a summons to Colonel Childs to 
surrender, which was curtly refused. The streets of 
the city were then barricaded with cotton bales and 
stone. The Mexicans opened an artillery fire upon 
the Americans in the plaza. From the surround- 
ing houses a terrible hail of musketry was hurled 
against them. But with great spirit the besieged 
soldiers assailed their foes in front and rear, charg- 
ing upon them with the bayonet and burning their 
defences and the buildings from which they experi- 
enced the most annoyance. 

At length General Lane's approach with reinforce- 
ments from Vera Cruz induced Santa Anna to with- 
draw with four thousand men to meet him. Gen- 
eral Rea having ineffectively maintained this un- 
equal attack till October 12th, left the sturdy 
Americans in possession of this great city and re- 
treated to Atlixco ; for Santa Anna had been again 
defeated with a loss of one hundred and fifty men at 
Huamantla, by General Lane, who was now coming 
to the relief of the garrison of Puebla. This was 
quickly accomplished, and General Lane on the 19th 
started in pursuit of General Rea. A sharp engage- 
ment occurred in the vicinity of Atlixco, the same 



THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 259 

afternoon. The Mexicans were driven from a posi- 
tion five and a half miles from the city, by the 
American cavalry, who pushed them to within a mile 
and a half of Atlixco, when, the infantry and batteries 
of artillery joining them, they took possession of 
a height above the city, which was cannonaded by 
moonlight for less than an hour and then was sur- 
rendered. The Mexicans in this battle lost over 
five hundred men, two fifths of whom were killed. 

Santa Anna did not again attempt to fight the 
Americans in person. His army was demoralized, and 
there was equal demoralization in the administration 
of the government. He had made great sacrifices 
for the cause of his country. He was bitterly as- 
sailed for its misfortunes. His resignation of office 
left the nation without any worthy leader. Paredes 
and others were intriguing for the control of affairs. 
Santa Anna made an attempt to regain the presi- 
dency, but failed, and having narrowly escaped cap- 
ture at Tehuacan by General Lane's cavalry, de- 
spairing of the Republic and his own safety, he 
obtained permission to leave his country and became 
a voluntary exile in the West Indies. 

The chief cities of Mexico were now in the hands 
of small garrisons of the United States troops, and 
General Quitman was quietly governing the capital, 
where order and commercial prosperity were re- 



26o THE STORMING OF CHAPULTETEC. 

stored. After its capture, General Scott made a 
levy of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars upon 
the municipal government, which was largely ex- 
pended in caring for the wounded, providing for 
the famishing, and relieving the distress and suffer- 
ing which the destructive and merciless hand of war 
had wrought in this beautiful city. 

General Scott's army now began to receive re- 
inforcements from Vera Cruz, till the number of 
troops in his department amounted to twenty thou- 
sand men. A murderous guerilla warfare was sus- 
tained by the scattered Mexican soldiers and bands 
of desperate wretches over the country, who assailed 
supply trains and detachments of reinforcements 
and small garrisons. Gradually these giierrilleros 
were driven from their strongholds in the larger 
towns, and under the dashing raids of the chivalric 
Captain S. H. Walker, who was killed at the battle 
of Huamantla, and by the energetic and rapid move- 
ments of General Lane over the infested country, 
even these outbreaks of patriotic rage and hatred 
and lawlessness were largely suppressed. 

The death of Captain Walker and the battle of 
Huamantla gives a fitting illustration of the heroic 
spirit which still at the very close of the war ani- 
mated the hearts of both the Mexican and American 
troops. General Lane had approached within five 



THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC 261 

miles of Huamantia, when he sent Captain Walker 
forward with his company of seventy-five mounted 
riflemen, and three other companies, to engage the 
enemy before he should flee and to secure the artil- 
lery at all hazards. He found the Mexicans in force 
in the plaza and adjacent streets, apparently about 
to retreat. The trumpet was ordered to sound a 
charge. Only Walker's own company obeyed the 
order. These dashed forward into the plaza, seized 
the cannon, and then attacked four hundred lancers 
stationed near them. 

Foremost in the charge was Captain Walker, rid- 
ing with a cool, steady movement and firing his 
revolvers, each time bringing down a man, and 
ploughing his way through the enemy wherever 
they attempted to make a stand. The whole body 
was soon routed and pursued for a mile out of town. 
Then riding back, the artillery was secured and his 
men dismounted their "horses, protected behind a 
convent wall, while the company took positions at 
the windows of a house adjoining the convent. 

The Mexican lancers novv rallied and returned at 
a gallop into the plaza. Every man in their front 
rank fell dead. Another fire from the house threw 
the rest into confusion, and they immediately re- 
treated out of range of the deadly rifles. Their 
officers endeavored in vain to lead them again to 



262 THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. f j 

the charge. At last one hero among them rode furi- 
ously into the plaza toward the convent, waving his 
sword and entreating his men to follow. But still 
in vain was such an example of devotion. Reaching 
a spot half way across the open space alone, he fell, 
riddled with rifle-balls. 

Then the lancers scattered and blocked the en- 
trance to every street so as to cut off Captain 
Walker's men, straggling back, from joining their 
companions in the house. Perceiving the object of 
this movement, Walker taking a part of his troop 
sallied out into the plaza and feigned a retreat. 
The Mexicans, deceived by this strategem, rode after 
him, concentrating from the different streets. Thus 
most of the stragglers were able to dash in and join 
their company. Then wheeling upon his pursuers 
in most gallant style. Captain Walker and his little 
band fought their way with indescribable bravery 
toward the house. Like ancient knights they hewed 
a path with their swords, instead of battle-axes, 
through the Mexican lancers thronging around 
them, and pressing them hard on every side. 
Swayed back and forth, leaping forward a few paces 
and then forced back, they had nearly reached the 
convent gate, with only seven out of twenty left, 
when farther progress was impossible. No longer 
attacking, but feebly parrying the lance thrusts, 



THE STORMING OF CHAPULTErEC. 263 

they could wield but a few strokes more with their 
dripping swords, when a few of the garrison turned 
upon the massed Mexican troops the captured gun, 
which was standing at the gate, and a lieutenant 
attempted to fire it with his pistol. A panic seized 
the lancers, seeing certain death before them, and 
they quickly scattered. Walker and his men made 
a leap for the gate, which they entered with a loss of 
thirteen of their heroic companions. Then firing 
from the windows, the little garrison drove the 
enemy out of the plaza, and all was silent where a 
few moments before had been the din of a terrible 
strife. 

Captain Walker now directed his men to bring the 
captured gun nearer to the gate, and superintended 
them in changing its position. Suddenly from a 
neighboring house a sharp report was heard, and a 
puff of smoke rose above a white flag that had been 
hanging from the window during the fight. Walker 
fell mortally wounded in the back. With a cry of 
grief his men bore him into the house, and in half an 
hour he died, entreating his followers to the last, 
" Never surrender." 

No man in all the war died more regretted. 
None fell who combined so many quaHties of the 
prompt, daring, energetic, yet cool and self-con- 
tained soldier in the hour of greatest peril. The 



264 THE STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC. 

commanding general in his report said of Huaman- 
tla : " Tiiis victory is saddened by the loss of one 
of the most chivalric, noble-hearted men that graced 
the profession of arms, Captain Samuel H. Walker, 
of the mounted riflemen. Foremost in the advance, 
he had routed the enemy when he fell mortally 
wounded." 

The Mexicans, having made one more attempt 
upon the convent, abandoned the town, leaving 
behind them two pieces of artillery. 

The commander-in-chief of the American army, 
whose leadership in this brilliant campaign will ever 
make illustrious his name, was now recalled by the 
government at Washington. His grand success had 
won for Major-General Scott both unstinted praise 
and envy. The necessities of partisan politics re- 
quired that he should be superseded. Major-Gen- 
eral Butler, by orders of the government, now took 
the chief command, and General Scott, having won 
glory enough for a lifetime, returned home, before 
the war was entirely ended by the treaty of peace. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Conspiracy and Revolt in New Mexico. 

Mexican treachery — The plot revealed — Treasonable plottings re- 
newed — Court records — Assassination of Governor Bent and 
his party — Fighting at Canada — The siege of the Pueblo of 
Taos — The surrender of the insurgents — Devastation of Moro 
Valley — Death of Captain Hendley -Sentence of Trujillo. 

The departure of General Kearney on his west- 
ward expedition to California gave to the unwilling 
subjects of the United States in New Mexico the 
hope of a successful rebellion. The peaceful de- 
meanor of the Mexicans well concealed the con- 
spiracy that was forming for the overthrow of the new 
government at Santa Fe. The different depart- 
ments of the territorial government were being 
organized under Mr. Charles Bent, of San Fernando 
de Taos, as governor, while Colonel Sterling Price 
held command of the American troops at Santa Fe. 
The hatred and envy of many Mexican citizens was 
the natural consequence of the changes which were 
made. They, however, feigned a cordial assent to 
the new order of things, and with treacherous pur- 



266 CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 

pose encouraged the apparently kind intercourse of 
the people with the officers and soldiers. 

Colonel Price had in his command nearly two 
thousand troops stationed at different points in the 
territory. They were mostly volunteers, and un- 
accustomed to the restraints of a severe military 
regime. Those who were left in Santa Fe soon lost 
nearly all the discipline they manifested at first by 
the dissipation which their surroundings in Santa Fe 
greatly favored. Amid gayety and excesses they 
were jealously watched. The old officials under 
Armijo plotted, in nightly gatherings within thick 
adobe walls, for the reinstatement of the Mexican 
authorities. On the 19th of December, 1846, while 
Colonel Doniphan was triumphantly marching 
through Central Mexico, they had matured their 
plans for revolt so far as to nominate from among 
themselves Don Tomas Ortiz for governor, and Don 
Diego Archuleta as commander of their forces. 
The ringing of the church bells at Santa Fe on 
Christmas eve was the appointed signal of instant 
revolt all over the province, as soon as their signal 
fires and swift runners could communicate the tid- 
ings of successful uprising at the capital. 

A Mexican woman revealed the plot to Colonel 
Price ; the leaders and many others were arrested, 
and the conspiracy was apparently crushed. Gov- 



CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 267 

ernor Bent by a proclamation sought to dissuade the 
people from being again misled by crafty leaders 
and the priests who were in sympathy with the re- 
bellion ; but these still continued to plot against 
the government. 

According to the court record in an old territorial 
document in the library of Santa Fe, the following 
appeal was sent out to the officials under the Mexi- 
can authority by Don Antonio Maria Trujillo, a 
native of Santa Fe and inspector of arms, who was 
afterward condemned to death and received his sen- 
tence from Judge Houghton : 

* ' To the Defenders of their Country : 

" With the end to shake off the yoke imposed 
upon us by a foreign government, and as you are 
inspector-general, appointed by the legitimate com- 
mander for the supreme government of Mexico, 
which we proclaim in favor of, the moment that 
you receive this communication you will place in 
readiness all the companies under your command, 
keeping them ready for the 22d day of the present 
month, so that the forces may be on the day men- 
tioned at that point. Take the precaution to 
observe if the forces of the enemy advance any 
toward those points, and if it should so happen, ap- 
point a courier and despatch him immediately, so 
that exertions may be doubled. Understand that 
there must not be resistance or delay in giving the 
answer to the bearer of this official document. 

" Jesus Tafolla. 

" Senior Inspector, ANTONIO Maria Trujillo. 
" January 20th, 1847." 



268 CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 

Trujillo immediately carried out these orders, and 
acted with great energy in executing the plans of 
the conspirators. He issued a document, of which 
the following translation is given, upon the strength 
of which he was subsequently arrested and tried for 
treason to the United States : 

" By the order of the Inspector of Arms, Don 
Antonio Maria Trujillo, I hereunto send you this 
order, that the moment this comes to hand you 
will raise all of the forces, together with all the in- 
habitants that are able to bear arms, connecting 
them also with persons in San Juan Caballeros, by 
the morning of the 22d day of the present month, 
and not later than eight o'clock in the morning. 
We have declared war with the Americans, and it is 
now time that we take our arms in our hands in 
defence of our prostrate country, that we may try 
if possible to regain the liberty of our unhappy 
country. You will be held responsible if you fail in 
the execution of the above order. 

"Juan Anto. Garcia, 
" Sr. Don Pedro Vigil." 

This official order was sent with the previous one 
from Tafolla to the persons to whom it was ad- 
dressed. 

On the 14th of January, 1847, Governor Bent and 
six other officials of the territorial government in 
company with him were murdered by Mexicans and 
Pueblo Indians while on their way to Taos. On 
the same day seven Americans were cruelly slain at 



CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 269 

Arroyo Hondo, four others at Moro, and two at Rio 
Colorado. Letters were also intercepted calling 
upon the inhabitants of northern New Mexico to 
exterminate all Americans and those Mexicans who 
had joined friendship with them. The leaders of 
this movement, Tafolla, Chavez, and Montoya, de- 
signed to attack Santa F6 with forces which should 
be gathered as they approached the city. 

By the 23d of January they had increased to two 
thousand, and were discovered by the American 
troops, who had been led out to meet them, occupy- 
ing high grounds near Canada, a small town on a 
little stream emptying into the Rio Grande. Col- 
onel Price had but three hundred and fifty-three 
men and four howitzers. From two o'clock in the 
afternoon till sunset he fought the Mexicans, driving 
them from the hills above the stream and routing 
them at all points. 

The enemy fled in the direction of Taos. Col- 
onel Price pursued them on the 27th of January, and 
again encountered them strongly posted near Em- 
budo. Six or seven hundred Mexicans held the 
mountain slopes overhanging each side of the road, 
where a narrow gorge, protected by brushwood and 
detached rocks, made the passage thus defended im- 
passable. With four hundred and seventy-nine men, 
Colonel Price again boldly attacked them in this for- 



2 70 CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 

midable position, his men climbing the precipitous 
hills and driving the enemy before them, up the 
slope, and over the top, hotly pursuing them for 
two hours. The town of Embudo surrendered to 
the Americans, who resumed march over the Taos 
mountain, where they trampled down snow two feet 
deep to make a road for the artillery and supply 
wagons. The enemy were not found again till they 
reached the Indian village Pueblo de Taos. Here 
they had occupied the large church, two large struct- 
ures, seven or eight stories high, and projecting 
buildings flanking these, all constructed with thick 
adobe walls and held by six or seven hundred Mexi- 
cans and Indians. 

The Americans, with their two howitzers and one 
six-pounder gun, battered these walls for two hours 
and a half on the evening of February 3d, and for 
the same time the next morning, without effecting 
any breach. The troops were then ordered to storm 
the church, the walls of which, under a brisk fire 
from the defenders inside, were attacked with axes 
and the roof set on fire. A small hole was at last 
made through these walls, the six-pounder gun 
pushed to within ten feet of this breach, and shell 
and three rounds of grape-shot hurled with terrible 
effect on the helpless wretches within the church. 
Then the assailants leaped through the broken walls, 



CONSriRACY AND REVOLT. 271 

and also charging upon it In front, had the Mexi- 
cans and Indians entirely in their power. As soon 
as possible the slaughter was stayed, the troops 
were quartered in the abandoned house, and early 
the next morning the old men and women came, 
with a priest, bringing their children and altar 
images to the victorious Americans, and implored 
of them mercy. They were promised safety and 
peace, if they would deliver up Tomas, the leader, 
who had been engaged in the murder of Governor 
Bent and his party. 

One hundred and fifty Mexicans and Indians were 
killed in this attack upon Pueblo de Taos. They 
had lost fifty-six killed and one hundred and five 
wounded in the two previous engagements at Caiiada 
and Embudo. Sixty-three Americans were killed 
and wounded in this first expedition to subdue the 
rebellion. The insurrection was also subdued in the 
Moro valley by the prompt and vigorous action of 
Captain Hendley, who was in command of a grazing 
detachment of troops on the Pecos. He collected 
the forces in his vicinity, and on the 20th of January 
took possession of Las Vegas, where insurgents were 
assembling. Having dispersed these and strongly 
garrisoned the place, he marched to Moro, where 
they had a force of two hundred men, protected by 
adobe houses and an old fort, to which they fled 



272 CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 

after a short skirmish, on the 24th. Here for a 
while they offered successful resistance to the 
Americans, firing upon them from the windows and 
loopholes of their buildings. They were vigorously 
attacked, however, and pursued into the houses, 
where the Americans pierced the insurgents with 
bayonets and shot them down in close combat, till 
they had killed twenty-five Mexicans and taken 
seventeen prisoners. Captain Hendley was fatally 
shot while forcing his way, with a few men, into 
one of the houses near the fort. Having no artil- 
lery to reduce this fort, the Americans retired, but 
on the 1st of February Hendley's death was avenged 
by the destruction of the village of Moro by troops 
under Captain Merwin. 

Thus the revolt in New Mexico was effectually 
subdued. Of its leaders, Montoya and Chavez were 
killed at Canada and Taos, Trujillo was hung as a 
traitor, and Tomas shot in a private quarrel with his 
guard, while imprisoned at Taos. 

The sentence of the court against Trujillo, written 
in Judge Houghton's handwriting, was filed in the 
court record March i6th, 1847, attested by James 
Giddings, clerk, and by John R. SuUes, deputy 
clerk. Part of it reads as follows : 

" Your age and gray hairs have excited the sym- 
pathy of both the court and the jury. Yet while 



CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 273 

each and all were not only willing, but anxious that 
you should have every advantage placed at your dis- 
posal that their highly responsible duty under the 
law to their country would permit, yet have you 
been found guilty of the crime alleged to your 
charge. It would appear that old age has not 
brought you wisdom, nor purity, nor honesty of 
heart ; while holding out the hand of friendship to 
those whom circumstances have brought to rule over 
you, you have nourished bitterness and hatred in 
your soul. You have been found guilty of second- 
ing the acts of a band of the most traitorous mur- 
derers that ever blackened with the recital of their 
deeds the annals of history. 

"Not content with the peace and security in 
which you lived under the present government, 
secure in all your personal rights as a citizen, in 
property, in person, and in your religion, you gave 
your name and influence to measures intended to 
effect a universal murder and pillage, the overthrow 
of the government, and one widespread scene of 
bloodshed in the land. For such foul crimes an en- 
lightened and liberal jury have been compelled, from 
the evidence brought before them and by a sense of 
their stern but unmistakable duty, to find you guilty 
of treason against the government under which you 
are a citizen, and there only now remains to the 



2 74 CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT. 

court the painful duty of passing upon you the sen- 
tence of the law." 

Thirty days were allowed the prisoner before the 
execution of this sentence on the i6th of April. 



\ 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Incidents of the War — McCuUocJl s Raids. 

The Texas Rangers — The first scout to Linares — The surprise of a 
fandango party — Raid to Carrisito — Fight with Mexican cavalry 
— Gallantry at Monterey — The storming of Federation Hill — 
Engagement at Encarnacion — The scouting party and advent- 
ures — Peril and escape from Santa Anna's troops — Return to 
to Agua Nueva. 

Captain Benjamin McCulloch commanded a 
noted company of Texas Rangers, who performed 
in battle and in scouting service many daring and 
brilliant deeds. They were rough soldiers and a 
terror to the Mexicans. Without tents, camp equi- 
page, or cooking utensils, but possessing excellent 
horses, they arrived at Matamoras, after the battle 
of Resaca de la Palma, and became a most useful 
and trustworthy attachment of General Taylor's little 
army. ..One of the company. Lieutenant Samuel C. 
Reid, wrote an interesting narrative of their various 
raids and skirmishes, a few of which will be briefly 
sketched in this chapter. 

On the 1 2th of June, I846, the Rangers were sent 



276 INCIDENTS OF THE V/AR. 

on a scout in the direction of Linares to discover a 
suitable route for a large force to Monterey. They 
took the direction of General Arista's army in their 
flight from Matamoras. Guided by an excellent 
map discovered in Arista's captured military chest, 
they found it an excellent picture of the face of the 
country between the Rio Grande and the Sierra del 
Madre. Ranches and villages, roads, mountain- 
paths, and insignificant streamlets, v/ere all truthfully 
represented. Often under the vertical sun-rays, with- 
out a cloud in the sky or a breath of air, and with- 
out water for themselves or their beasts, they pur- 
sued their way. At midnight they were aroused by 
heavy tropical showers, drenching their blankets 
and clothes and adding every discomfort possible to 
shelterless troops. 

One night a soldier waked his companion, beside 
whom he had been sleeping, with the announcement 
that they were half covered with water, and would 
soon be washed away if they did not seek some 
drier place. 

" Bless me !" said the major, showing his head 
from under cover of his blanket. " Why, it is rain- 
ing. The ground is getting damp. But lie down, 
Jim, and go to sleep. Don't you see that we have 
got this puddle of water warm now by the heat of 
our bodies, and if we move we shall only get into 



INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 277 

another and take cold. So lie down, Jim, and go to 
sleep ; it's nothing when you get used to it." 

The soldier thus addressed, however, preferred to 
take his wet blanket and sit down at the foot of a 
tree than to sleep on in a warm puddle. 

The Rangers were in search of the Mexican 
robber Canales, who with a band of three or four 
hundred had made depredations upon the country 
in the vicinity of Reynosa. They were stationed at 
this place for several weeks during the rainy season, 
comfortably quartered in a gin shed, which the 
demands of the Rangers for some kind of shelter 
became too violent for the commanding officer of the 
Americans to deny. While at Reynosa they took 
justice in their own hands and killed some of the 
Mexican villains who had participated in one of the 
Texan border massacres, and whom they found liv- 
ing here in peace and security. Their bodies were 
found shot or hung in the chapparal. 

One evening about sundown, an order came for 
twenty men to saddle their horses. Riding in silence 
out of Reynosa they were informed that Canales 
was reported to be at a fandango on a neighboring 
ranch, v/hich they were to surround. Guided by a 
Mexican boy, they hastened in single file to the 
place of merry-making. The Mexican fandango 
was a novel sight to these scouts, one of whom thus 



278 INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 

described it : " The dance was held in the open 
air ; and the bright fires kindled at different points, 
the candles and torches moving to and fro, the ani- 
mated groups of revellers clustered on every side, 
the white robes of the girls prettily contrasting in 
the firelight with the dusky apparel of their part- 
ners, while gay forms replete with life and motion 
bounded in the lovely dance or floated in the grace- 
ful waltz in sweet accord with the spirit-stirring 
strains of music which the night breeze wafted to 
our ears — all made a scene that was, at the distance 
we reviewed it, beautiful indeed." 

The men were commanded to halt, dismount, and 
creep up cautiously and surround the house, ready 
to come up quickly at the charge. 

The lieutenant in command as he gave this or- 
der walked leisurely into the midst of the sur- 
prised and affrighted dancers. A ring of Texan 
rifles encircled them, and the women rushed shriek- 
ing back and forth, trying in vain to escape. They 
quieted down, however, and the house was carefully 
searched, but the wily Canales was missing. Then 
half the soldiers, laying" aside their guns, joined in 
the dance with the utmost hilarity, astonishing and 
delighting the women with the negro dances of the 
South, in which their grotesque figures and move- 
ments excited the applause of the whole company. 



I 



INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 279 

Thus till midnight they turned their expected 
bloody encounter into a delightful revel, and having 
taken a parting glass of brandy, they returned to 
camp. 

The American soldiers when encamped in towns 
or in the country often participated in the most 
friendly manner in these national dances of the 
Mexicans. 

While Captain McCulloch's company were at 
Seralvo, in August, 1846, they were ordered to make 
another raid toward Carrisito and ascertain the posi- 
tion of the enemy. Two companies of Rangers made 
the force which was to penetrate far into the Mexi- 
can country. Eighty well-mounted men, with pro- 
visions for two days in their knapsacks, left camp at 
about four o'clock in the afternoon. From a Mexi- 
can whom they captured that evening, they ascer- 
tained that Canales with five hundred rancheros, 
and Colonel Carlson with between two and three 
hundred regular cavalry, were at Papagayo, about 
thirty-five miles distant. 

Sending back word to General Worth of the situa- 
tion and force of the enemy, they took supper at Car- 
risito, and rode all night through the mountains. 
Crossing ridge after ridge, the mountains loomed up 
in the darkness on every side, with a grandeur which 
was heightened by the increasing peril of the expe- 



2So INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 

dition. They approached the ranch Papagayo within 
two miles of the Mexican encampment. The people 
in the ranch were routed up from their sleep. The 
information obtained with great difficulty from 
these people satisfied them that a fight was at hand. 
Two Mexican couriers, riding at full speed, had 
carried the report of the American advance to their 
countrymen. 

In about an hour the American advance-guard 
drove in the Mexican pickets nearly to their own 
camp. The force was well posted, and it was deter- 
mined to fall back for three miles to a naturally 
strong position and await the expected attack at 
daybreak. The men lay down, ready at a moment's 
warning, their horses saddled. They were awakened 
by a summons to begin a return march, in which they 
fell in with a large detachment of three hundred 
men under Colonel Childs, dispatched by General 
Worth for their relief. 

On the 14th of September, scouting was ordered 
toward Ramos. Forty men were detailed for this 
purpose, fifteen of whom rode in advance with 
McCulloch, now promoted. They proceeded about 
four miles and found themselves within long rifle-shot 
of a body of Mexican troops, and firing began on 
both sides. Soon McCulloch, waving his sword as 
if followed by a large force, galloped toward the 



f 



INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 28 1 

enemy and drove him from his position to another 
hill. The main body of the Americans was now 
deployed around a hill to the right, keeping out of 
sight in the chapparal. The enemy's scouts were 
driven back to their main force by McCulloch. 
While on a high hill he discovered twenty or more 
of the Mexican troops lying in an ambuscade in the 
ravine below. Rushing into this ambush in the 
pursuit of a Mexican officer was a gallant young 
soldier, Lieutenant Thomas. Colonel McCulloch 
saw that in a few moments more he would be slain, 
and waving his sword again, as if followed by a 
large troop, he dashed down the hill frightening 
the Mexicans, who fled before Thomas reached 
them. 

A courier was then dispatched to bring up the 
Rangers, who, having deployed around the hill, 
came forward with a loud shout and pursued the 
Mexicans to within a quarter of a mile of Ramos. 
Here they made a stand and opened fire with their 
carbines, but were soon thrown into confusion by 
the impetuous advance and firing of the Rangers. 
They fled through the town, driven in hot haste by 
the Americans, nor did they stop till they reached a 
high hill beyond the town. Then McCulloch, fearing 
to be cut off by the Mexicans, returned slowly 
through Ramos, having with forty men driven 



282 INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 

before him over two hundred of Torrejon's cavalry 
commanded by Colonel Carisco, 

No troops did more soldier-like and heroic deeds 
than McCulloch's Texas Rangers at Monterey and 
Buena Vista. At Monterey they displayed signal 
bravery. It was about noon, when General Worth 
rode up to those gallant troops, three hundred in 
number, one half of whom were Rangers, and point- 
ing to Federation Hill, said : " Men, you are to 
take that hill, and I know you will do it." It was a 
rugged height of three hundred and eighty feet, 
whose sides were covered with thorny chapparal. 
Mexicans swarmed above and its cannon looked 
defiantly down on the men. With death almost 
certain before them they answered their general : 
" We will." Marching at double-quick and in 
single file through fields of corn and sugar-cane, 
which concealed their movements, they reached the 
river-bank, and a Mexican battery opened a fierce, 
plunging fire upon them, enveloping the hill in 
flame and smoke. With a storm of shot and grape 
falling upon them, they dashed into the sweeping 
current waist-deep, while the water boiled with the 
iron hail hurled upon them. But, strangely, they 
reached the opposite bank without the loss of a 
man. Halting now in the thicket, secure from the 
artillery fire, they took breath and drained the 



I 



jL INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 283 

water from their shoes and clothes. Reinforced by 
masses of sharpshooters, the Mexicans came down 
to take positions on the slope of the hill. The mus- 
ketry roar increased, and the men were ordered for- 
ward. The hillside was reached, and the Texans 
began to clamber its face, driving the Mexicans back 
toward the crest by the dreaded fire of their rifles. 
They were now pushing up in line with the Seventh 
Regular Infantry, and vieing with them in gaining 
the top, their cheers and shouts rang along the hill- 
side with the murderous volleys of their rifles, carry- 
ing terror to the foe above. The rifle flashes, 
deadly balls, and terrific yells were too much for the 
Mexicans ; they broke their lines and fled over the 
crest, and the Texan cheers announced their victory 
to their comrades below. 

On the 15th of February, 1847, McCulloch with 
twenty-seven men reported to General Taylor for 
additional service of six months. He was ordered 
to make a scout toward Encarnacion to obtain in- 
formation of Santa Anna's movements. He had 
with him sixteen of his picked men and three 
officers of the Kentucky infantry. At eleven 
o'clock P.M. on a very dark night, they came upon 
the Mexican picket, who fled after firing a gun. 
Proceeding cautiously in the darkness, their prog- 
ress was impeded by what was apparently a brush 



284 INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 

fence. Approaching within thirty paces, they dis- 
covered it to consist of twenty Mexican cavalry, who, 
challenging them, at the same time fired a whole 
volley at the Texans. In a moment came an order 
from McCulloch to charge. The Mexicans wheeled 
to the right and left and retreated with all haste, 
closely pursued by the Texans, till the strength of 
the enemy at Encarnacion could be estimated at 
fifteen hundred cavalry. Possessed of this impor- 
tant Information, he turned back at once toward 
Agua Nueva. His bold charge had delivered from 
great peril. 

On the 1 8th of February, McCulloch was ordered 
again to proceed to Santa Anna's camp for informa- 
tion. He took only five men and two officers. 
They left camp about four o'clock in the afternoon. 
Having gone about six miles, they met with a Mexi- 
can deserter, who reported Santa Anna's arrival at 
Encarnacion with twenty thousand men. Placing 
little confidence in this statement, the deserter was 
sent under guard to General Taylor, and the squad 
of seven men went on their way, concealing them- 
selves by day in the woods and avoiding the main 
road. 

At midnight they discovered the Mexicans en- 
camped in force at Encarnacion. The moon had 
set, and they passed within the enemy's picket-line 



INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 285 

as far as the Mexican camp guard, and having made 
a careful reconnoissance, they retired half a mile 
to feed their horses. Major McCulloch now con- 
cluded to send back all the party but one man, 
William Phillips, to make a full report to General 
Taylor of the probable strength of the enemy, while 
he remained with this single companion until day- 
light for further information. Approaching the 
camp by another fork of the road, these fearless 
scouts came suddenly upon the enemy's pickets, 
who gave them chase. To escape, they boldly 
galloped down toward the Mexican camp, and the 
pickets thus deceived took them for their own men 
trying to pass out of their lines. McCulloch and 
his companion, after this narrow escape, retired to a 
hill, where they concealed themselves till daylight. 
But the drums and trumpets of the Mexican army 
sounding the reveille, frightened their horses, and 
they narrowly escaped capture and the death of 
spies. 

As the Mexican camp-fires of green wood threw 
out a heavy smoke which concealed the troops from 
view, McCulloch and the Ranger started to return. 
Before riding a hundred yards they discovered two 
picket guards of twenty men each in front of them. 
The American scouts were between the two roads and 
would have to pass the picket guards on each side 



286 INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. 

of them. Their only hope was to escape by lei- 
surely riding by. So holding their guns close to 
their horses, and thus concealing them, they rode 
slowly along, and were again mistaken by the Mexi- 
cans, who were warming themselves by their fires, 
for some of their own cavalrymen. 

Ascending a high hill, McCulloch had a fine 
view of the Mexican army with his glass, but was 
again near a picket, who after long waiting did not 
move from his station. Avoiding him by keeping 
close to the foot of the mountain, they escaped at 
last through a pass, and again free from danger they 
galloped with light hearts toward the camp at Agua 
Nueva. The army was on its march from that 
point, having been moved in consequence of the 
information brought the previous night by the rest 
of McCulloch's party. 

General Taylor was anxiously awaiting Major 
McCulloch. Having received from him particulars 
as to the Mexican army and Santa Anna's forward 
movements, the general quietly replied : 

" Very well, major, that's all I wanted to know. 
I am glad they did not catch you," and he set out 
at once with his staff toward Buena Vista. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Aviericaii Navy i)i the War. 

The Gulf squadron — The blockade — Yucatan — Capture of Tampico 
— Expedition against Tuspan^Ascent of the river — Storming 
the forts — Capture of the city — Preparations to attack Tabasco 
— The flotilla— Attacked by Mexicans — Engagement with forts 
— The landing party — Firing upon the Spitfire — The fortifica- 
tions captured — Fort Iturbide reduced and destroyed — Sur- 
render of the city — Prizes — The Pacific squadron — Instructions 
to Commodore Sloat — Capture of Monterey and San Fran- 
cisco — Subjugation of California. 

It is impossible to estimate the value of the 
service rendered by the navy of the United States 
in the conquest of Mexico. It was not distinguished 
by many engagements upon the sea, or by any 
brilliant victories such as were won upon the battle- 
fields of Mexico, There was no hostile fleet to con- 
tend with ; there were scarcely any fortified ports 
to reduce and capture ; but there were many to 
blockade and cut off from foreign intercourse. Had 
it not been for the important part the navy played 
in this respect in the war, it might have been long 
protracted by the supply of food, munitions of war, 
and even of skilled soldiers which other nations 



zS8 THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 

would have willingly sent into Mexico, had her 
ports been open. 

The Pacific squadron, under command of com- 
modore Sloat, consisted of three frigates and six 
other war vessels, carrying in all two hundred and 
seventy-five guns. The Gulf squadron, under Com- 
modore Perry, numbered seven ships of war, four 
steamers, and one brig. Within two weeks after the 
battle of Resaca de la Palma, the Gulf squadron 
established a blockade of all the Eastern coast of 
Mexico. Yucatan was at first exempted, being in 
revolt against the Mexican Government ; but as its 
ports were made the place of traffic in war material 
for Mexico, it was soon included in the blockade. 
It was not easy to guard so large an extent of coast, 
but a few vessels were captured in their effort to 
escape the vigilance of the fleet. Save the bombard- 
ment of Vera Cruz there were no very exciting 
events in the service of the fleet on the Gulf coast, 
though the task assigned to the squadron required 
much vigilance, and, to add to the difficulties of the 
blockade, sickness prevailed on board the ships from 
the effects of the tropical climate. 

On the 14th of November the fleet took possession 
of Tampico. It had, however been abandoned by 
the Mexican forces which had garrisoned this im- 
portant city. TJie same month two noteworthy 



THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 289 

actions were performed by the squadron at Tuspan 
and Tabasco. Both these cities were well defended 
by Mexican troops and fortifications. 

Tuspan was situated near the mouth of the river 
called by the same name, which was so shoal that 
the larger vessels could not ascend to take part in 
the capture of the town. A detachment of gun- 
boats and barges was towed up the river by the 
steamers, lightened as much as possible for crossing 
the bar. These boats carried twelve hundred men 
and two pieces of artillery. Having entered the 
river, Commodore Perry, with pennant flying on 
board the Spitfire, led the rest of the fleet. They 
had not proceeded far up the stream when two forts 
opened fire from the right bank upon the vessels, 
which immediately replied, while the boats manned 
with storming parties swept swiftly to the shore. 
The marines rushed up to the fortifications, but the 
Mexicans did not wait for the conflict at close quar- 
ters, and fled toward the town. 

The Americans pressed forward in pursuit of the 
retreating garrison, receiving a fire from the chap- 
paral and from another fort which they approached in 
their charge after the Mexicans. Turning upon this 
battery they soon put its defenders to flight in every 
direction, leaving the town in possession of the 
marines. The forts were immediatelv dismrintled 



290 THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR.. 

and destroyed, a garrison v/as posted in the town, 
a sloop of war and a gun-boat anchored in the river, 
and the expedition returned to its former station. 

Tabasco was not so easily captured. It was a 
city second in commercial importance to Vera'' 
Cruz, and Commodore Perry with twelve vessels 
anchored off the bar on the 13th of June determined 
to reduce it. It was seventy-five miles from the 
mouth of the river on which it was situated, and 
only vessels of the lightest draft could be brought 
into requisition. Four steam vessels and four brigs, 
with three divisions of surf-boats, launches, and cut- 
ters, carrying seven field-pieces and filled with of^cers 
and men detached from the vessels left behind, com- 
posed the flotilla which started on the 14th and sailed 
all night. 

The river became so narrow as the vessels pursued 
their way in the darkness that a musketry fire from 
the chapparal on the shore could easily command 
the opposite bank. From a fort at a bend of the 
river, on the 15th, a strong body of Mexicans 
'suddenly opened a plunging fire on the flag-ship 
"* Spitfire. The Americans quickly replied with grape 
and canister, and with musketry stationed in the ves- 
sel's top and the boats alongside. It was not long be- 
fore this attack was effectually repelled. Two leagues 
below the city the enemy were again found occupying 



THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 291 



I 

^Hthe woods on the river-bank, just as night was settling 

^■iipon the flotilla. The decks, rigging, and boats 

^Fwere protected during the night by sand-bags, cots, 

'^ and hammocks strung up so as to hide the marines, 

and some other preparations were made for a land 

attack upon the morrow. 

(The flotilla in three divisions, armed with marines 
and one division carrying artillery, and protected by 

■'• schooners, moved forward in the morning, when 
a concealed breastwork poured upon them a sharp 
musketry fire. This was briskly returned from 
the whole fleet, and Commodore Perry, standing 
in full view of his men on a barge at the head of the 
division, gave the spirited order, " Three cheers 
and land." With loud hurrahs the boatmen rowed 
to the shore, and soon nine hundred seamen 
and two hundred marines landed and climbed 
up the steep bank, dragging their cannon to the 
top. 

■ The enemy abandoned the fort and took posi- 
tion behind a breastwork nearer the city at Aca- 
chapau. Here were stationed a battery of two guns 
and a force of cavalry and infantry under the 
Mexican colonel, Hidalgo. The route to this posi- 
tion, seven miles distant, led the Americans through 
thick woods, canebrakes, and marshy ground. They 
were, however, unmolested till they came in sight of 



292 THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 

the breastwork, which greeted them with shot from 
the guns at long range. 

The field-pieces were immediately brought into 
action, and soon threw the Mexicans into confusion 
and flight, before the seamen dashing forward with 
ringing shouts could reach the work. They here 
halted to rest. The steam vessels, meanwhile, had 
passed up the river and engaged Fort Iturbide, which 
commanded the river for a long distance. The 
Mexican flag was soon hauled down from its ram- 
parts, and the Scorpion, sailing farther up the 
stream, received an offer of the surrender of the city 
from the alcalde. As the Spitfire went by the fort, 
the Mexicans again opened fire upon her, and a detach- 
ment of seamen was sent to storm the fortification. 
It was soon done, two brass field-pieces were cap- 
tured, three twenty-eight pounders, and a quantity of 
small arms and ammunition. The city was occupied 
by a garrison of artillery and marines, and the next 
day Fort Iturbide was mined and destroyed. The 
flotilla returned immediately to rejoin the squadron, 
having accomplished, with the loss of a very few 
killed and wounded, the whole object of the expedi- 
tion. The city of Tabasco was greatly injured by 
the bombardment. Fifteen Mexican vessels, in- 
cluding a brig, two steamers, and four schooners, 
were captured here and taken away as prizes, 



THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 293 

with the exception of one schooner which was 
burned. 

Commodore Perry's fleet was also actively engaged 
in the bombardment of Vera Cruz. 

The Pacific squadron made under Commodore 
Sloat an eventful movement early in the war. Its 
commander was beyond communication with the 
government at Washington, and in entire ignorance 
of the relations of the Mexican Government to the 
United States. At length rumors of actual hos- 
tilities reached Commodore Sloat from Mexican 
sources. Without doubt the Washington govern- 
ment had in anticipation given him special instruc- 
tions as to his course of action, since the Administra- 
tion were fully determined to bring on the war. 
Commodore Sloat was at Mazatlan with his fleet 
when he heard these rumors on the 7th of June. 

Orders were issued at once to the squadron, and 
the next morning sails were hoisted and the fleet 
was on its way to the coast of Upper California. On 
the 7th of July Monterey, the capital of California 
and San Francisco, the best harbor gn the coast, 
were both in full possession of the navy of the 
United States, and the inhabitants were informed by 
proclamation that henceforth California would be a 
part of the United States ; that they should enjoy all 
the rights and privileges of citizens, and be protected 



294 THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 



)ffi-.| 



as would those of any other State of the Union. Of^ 
cial instructions of date the 15th of May, two days 
after war was declared, were afterward received by 
Commodore Sloat, in which he was told to consider 
the most important object to be to take and hold 
possession of San Francisco. Again, under the date 
of the 1 2th of July, the official directions received 
by him were that " the object of the United States 
is, under its rights as a belligerent nation, to possess 
itself entirely of Upper California. This will bring 
with it the nesessity of a civil administration. Such 
a government should be established under your 
protection." As afterward proclaimed by General 
Kearney, when his expedition arrived in California, 
the people of these provinces had no alternative but 
to accept the new citizenship, which in the pre- 
meditated purpose of the Administration had been 
given them before they knew or hardly thought of a 
conflict between the two republics. Commodore 
Sloat having returned to Mazatlan, and about the 
15th of August having received orders to do all that 
he had with great promptness and energy already ac- 
complished, relinquished the command of the Pacific 
fleet to Commodore Stockton, and returned to the 
United States. Thus, whatever praise the capture of 
California merited belonged chiefly to the navy, 
though its full subjugation and civil reorganization 



THE AMERICAN NAVY IN THE WAR. 295 

could not have been wrought without the efficient co- 
operation of the army under General Kearney, whose 
rapid occupation and quelling of the insurrection in 
that province has been already described in a previous 
chapter. The fleet remained through the war, hold- 
ing the Mexican Pacific coast below California in 
full blockade. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Episodes of the War. 

Personal traits of General Taylor — The soldier's blunder — An 
officer's pique — Camp discipline good for officers as well as 
soldiers — The sentinel's wrath — The general's mistake — Mexi- 
can chivalry — The fatal ambuscade. 

Incidents that exhibited the influence of demo- 
cratic institutions in every station of American life 
were continually recurring in this war. 

The rugged simplicity of General Taylor was in 
nothing more conspicuous than in his habits of dress 
and in his intercourse with his soldiers. He was 
seldom in uniform, but rode about his camp dressed 
in citizen's clothing of brown color. 

Riding one day along the road through an en- 
campment, he was accosted by one of the cavalry- 
men, who did not imagine his rank, but had taken a 
fancy to his horse. 

" Hallo, stranger, how will you swap that pony 
for this horse ?" giving his own horse a slap. 

"Old Zach,"as he was familiarly called by his 
men, stopped, and in the most matter-of-fact way 



EPISODES OF THE WAR. 297 

said that he " did not care about swapping, for the 
pony was a favorite of his." 

The orderly in attendance now rode up in full uni- 
form, and took his proper position behind the gen- 
eral. The private's suspicions were aroused. He 
blushed and stammered as he realized his mistake, 
and asked pardon of the' general. Taylor smiled and 
assured him that he had done no harm, and inquir- 
ing of his regiment's long march from Tennessee, 
complimented his State and its soldiers, and rode on. 

Another general was addressed in a similar way 
by a soldier who knew him and admired his horse. 

'" Good-morning, general. A fine horse, that 
black you ride." 

No reply was given by the lofty-minded officer. 

" How would you swap him for this one, gen- 
eral?" he continued. 

This officer was apparently made of different stuff 
from General Taylor, for turning away from the 
soldier he ordered the guard in an angry voice to 
" arrest that man." 

The soldier was innocent of any intention . to 
offend, but saw his unhappy position. As they 
were taking him off he said in the hearing of the 
officer: "Why, the general is a fool; he did not 
know but that I would have given fifty dollars to 
boot." 



298 EPISODES OF THE WAR. 

It was but a few minutes after the arrest that the 
general, recovering himself from his surprise and 
petulance, ordered the release of the soldier. 

The innumerable instances of the laughable traits 
and conduct of soldiers under difficulties beguiled 
many a lonely night and wearisome days in camp or 
on the march. The men were ever ready to enjoy 
the ridiculous but sometimes trying experiences of 
their comrades. 

One dark night a Tennesseean was on guard. 
The surface of Mexico is cut up with arroyos or gul- 
lies, and the tall grass of the prairie hid these from 
sight as the sentinel paced his beat of sixty yards. 
He fell into these gullies two or three times, and 
was hardly able to repress his own vexation, till he 
listened to the soliloquy of the guard next to him, 
who had a still more broken ground to pace. He 
had picked himself out of the arroyos two or three 
times without comment, but at last began to swear 
to himself, as his floundering experiences increased. 
But into a gully he would go as he finished each round 
of oaths. " This is a pretty place to put a fellow 
this time of night," he was heard to say. " I shall 
break my neck sure before we are relieved. Ah, 
here is another ! Didn't catch me that time : if I 
had a candle I should come it. No need of a guard 
along here anyhow. If any of the Comanches, 



EPISODES OF THE WAR. 299 

Lipans, Mexicans, or any other of the cursed red 
skins, should come here they could not get into 
camp ; for they would break every one of their 
necks in these gullies. Down he went again, as he 
finished his sentence, his gun striking heavily on the 
ground. As he got out, he growled, " Curse the 
gullies, what's the use of walking back and forward 
anyway? I won't do it. I'll stay right here. " And 
in that spot he did stay. 

Under the severest showers of cannon or musket 
balls the American soldiers were remarkable for 
their coolness and firmness of bearing. At Mon- 
terey, a regular officer observed one of his men 
halting beside the body of a volunteer whose brains 
had been dashed against a wall while standing near 
him. "What do you stop there for?" asked the 
officer. " Are you afraid ?" 

" Afraid ! no !" he replied. " I was only thinking 
how a man that had so many brains could be fool 
enough to volunteer to come to such a place as this." 

A Tennesseean at Monterey had a spent ball take 
away his front teeth and lodge between his double 
teeth. " There now," he said, as he dropped the 
ball from his mouth into his hand, " I'll bet a 
month's pay there ain't another man in the army 
that can let the Mexicans shoot at him and catch 
the ball in his teeth in that way." 



300 EPISODES OE THE WAR. 

This was equalled by the sang-froid of an adjutant 
who said to a brother officer, under a tornado of 
balls which they were facing in the thickest of the 
fight, " This is a hard shower to be in without an 
umbrella." 

The following story related in detail by the 
author of " Twelve Months' Volunteers," is an 
amusing instance of literal obedience to orders : 

The colonel in command of a cavalry regiment 
stationed outside of Matamoras had impressed upon 
the picket guards the great importance of vigilance, 
and one day charged them to allow even an officer 
who was known to them to pass without the 
countersign, only in the daytime, but after nightfall 
they were to know no one, not even himself as an 
officer, not even if his face or voice could be dis- 
tinctly recognized. 

One day the colonel himself had gone into town 
and was delayed till night. Two lieutenants had 
also dashed away to town after parade, to attend a 
Mexican fandango or dance. All of them had neg- 
lected to take the countersign. They returned 
together after their business and enjoyment. A 
sentinel heard them coming as they approached the 
picket line, the two lieutenants in front. They were 
challenged and told to give the countersign. 



EPISODES OF THE WAR. 301 

" Wc have not got it," was the reply. "You 
know us — " 

" Halt ! and remain where you are," quickly 
replied the sentinel, levelling his gun as they still 
approached. 

" But we must go in," said all, advancing toward 
the guard, " there will be no harm." But they were 
met again with the muzzle pointed at them and the 
soldier's hand on the trigger. " Stop ! you are 
near enough," he said in warning, and they heeded 
his command in time to save a shot. They turned 
angrily away for consultation. 

The colonel, now very much amused, came nearer 
to see the discomfiture of the ofificers. One of them 
was an adjutant, and he tried in vain to pass the 
guard. At last the colonel himself drew up to the 
sentinel, and commended him for the soldier-like 
fidelity of his act. " Now," he said, " I am pleased 
to see you so prompt and decided in your discharge 
of duty ; and I trust the lesson will not be lost on 
these officers, for officers should set an example of 
military discipline to the soldiers. Let these gen- 
tlemen in ; and depend upon it we think much more 
of you for your firmness." 

The colonel was clearly recognized by the soldier 
in the bright moonlight, but he turned to his com- 
manding officer in reply. 



302 EPISODES OF THE WAR. 

" Have you the countersign ?" 

" The countersign — no ! it is not necessary for 
me to have it — you know me. I am your colonel." 

"You can't go in," said the sentinel, standing 
erect before them. 

" Look at me," said the colonel, standing with 
shining epaulets and sword in the bright light away 
from the shadow of some bushes, where he had been 
partially hidden. " Don't you know me now?" 

" I might know you in the daytime," said the 
soldier coolly, " but now I do not know you ; you 
cannot go in ; remain where you are." 

"Where is the officer of the guard?" at length 
the colonel inquired. 

" He is gone into camp." 

The sentinel was told to call him. 

" Should like to accommodate you, gentlemen, 
but can't leave my post." 

They sat upon the ground and held their horses 
for two hours in the cold night air, till the officer of 
the guard came up to relieve the sentinel, and found 
the officers chilled and shivering, without even a 
blanket for protection. They were quickly let into 
the camp, and the night's repose in their tents and 
blankets quieted their indignation. 

The next day the colonel specially complimented 
the sentinel who reminded him of his own order, 



EPISODES OF THE WAR. 303 

that " no one, not even himself, should pass at 
night without the countersign." 

There was a genuine enthusiasm in the heart of 
General Taylor which endeared him to the rough 
soldiers, who were ready to follow his commands to 
the death in the most desperate moments of a 

I battle. 
At a critical time in the engagement at Buena 
Vista, he sent Mr. Crittenden to order the Second 
Kentucky Regiment to sustain one of the columns 
staggering under a tremendous charge of the Mexi- 
cans. Led by Colonels McKee and Clay, they 
inarched into the fight with a steady front. They 
had to cross ravines and very rough ground to gain 
their position, and only their heads were visible to 
General Taylor and his staff watching their progress. 
They seemed to be broken and dismayed by the fire 
of the Mexicans as they crossed this ground, and 
were often individually out of sight in the march. 

General Taylor, knowing how much depended on 
their gallantry, and believing, from the irregular ap- 
pearance of their heads above the uneven ground, that 
they were faltering, turned to Mr. Crittenden, who, 
like himself, was a Kentuckian, with mingled morti- 
fication and fierceness in his countenance, and 
said : 
- " Mr. Crittenden, this will not do ; this is not the 



304 EPISODES OF THE WAR. 

way for Kentuckians to behave themselves when 
called upon to make good a battle ; it will not an- 
swer, sir." With brow knit and clenched fist, and 
lips compressed in anger, he still watched them, re- 
ceiving no reply, from his aide, who, like himself, was 
overcome with shame. 

But erelong the Kentuckians began to ascend the 
slope out of the ravine with the firm step and even 
lines of veterans. They came to the crest of the hill, 
meeting the Mexicans in the flush of a victory 
already within their grasp. Now delivering their 
volleys by companies with deadly aim, the general 
saw the Mexicans fall in terrible slaughter, till their 
ranks were broken and they retreated in confusion. 
His stern face had relaxed, and pride and joy now 
animated his eyes as he saw them approaching the 
heavy battalions of the enemy, and as the sheets of 
flame rolled out from their columns, he shouted in 
a loud huzza, rising in his saddle : 

" Hurrah for old Kentuck ! That's the way to 
do it : give it to 'em !" he cried, with tears of ex- 
ultation now moistening his hardy cheeks. Then 
turning to other parts of the field he gathered up 
other columns to hurl them upon the foe, and com- 
plete the victory. 

With the same generous spirit toward an enemy. 
General Taylor, when introduced to the brave Mexi- 



I 



EPISODES OF THE WAR. 305 

can general, La Vega, on the battle-field, took him 
by the hand, and warmly shaking it, said : 

" General, I do assure you I deeply regret that 
this misfortune has fallen upon you. I regret it 
exceedingly, and I take pleasure in returning you 
the sword which you have this day worn with so 
much gallantry." 

The character of the Mexican generals was often 
as chivalric and high-minded as that of the Ameri- 
can officers. The capture of nearly one hundred 
Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry at the hacienda of 
Encarnacion, some days before the battle of Buena 
Vista, was effected by General Miflon in a manner 
most creditable to his soldier-like qualities and 
humanity. He had made a forced march of one 
hundred miles to surprise them, and toward night 
had surrounded the two American scouting parties 
in the hacienda without their knowledge, the night 
being very dark and a high wind prevailing. In the 
morning, the Mexican cavalry force, three thousand 
in number, and in splendid array, were revealed to 
the astonished Americans resplendent, with the 
stirring strains of three fine bands rolling upon the 
air in exulting tones. 

But these sturdy Americans were not intimidated. 
The bugle notes of the Americans rung out defiantly 
as they were marshalled in line for the desperate 



3o6 EPISODES OF THE WAR. 

struggle for their lives. General Mifion wished to 
save them a useless and certain death, and sent 
a flag of truce summoning them to surrender, and 
stating the force which surrounded them at every 
point. He offered them honorable terms as prison- 
ers of war. The men were unwilling to yield and 
did not credit his statement of the strength of his 
force. General Minon now sent an officer of equal 
rank as hostage, while Major Gaines went into their 
ranks and assured himself of their force. He re- 
ported that resistance would be only to throw away 
life, and the Americans accordingly surrendered. 
Thus the cool and humane judgment of this accom- 
plished Mexican cavalry officer, when he had his 
foes in his power, spared the bloodshed of his own 
men and secured the capture of the Americans. 

General Taylor, apprised by one of these Ameri- 
can prisoners who escaped, of the presence of the 
advance-guard of Santa Anna's army, ' marched at 
once to Agua Nueva to meet him before the battle 
of Buena Vista. 

The conflicts with the guerillas, especially after 
the fall of the city of Mexico, were some of the 
severest tests of bravery which tried the American 
soldier, though they had nothing of the glory or in- 
centive to heroism which hung over a battle-field, 
where thousands fought in the presence of their 



EPISODES OF THE WAR. 307 

generals. When Scott left Puebla on his march to 
the capital, he appointed Colonel Childs as governor 
of that city. He had as a garrison less than four 
, hundred men ready for duty, with which the city 
and two forts a mile distant were to be guarded. 
His situation was a critical one, for it was threatened 
by General Rea, of the Mexican army. On the 
morning of the 26th of August, Colonel Childs 
received information that a stock-yard near Fort 
Loretto had been attacked by guerillas and 
seven hundred and fifty mules driven away. He 
could not detach either his infantry or cavalry in 
pursuit, so weak were his numbers, and an irregular 
force of mounted men thirty-three in number, under 
the command of Captain Blanchard, of the quarter- 
master's department, were sent in pursuit. They 
followed the tracks of the animals into a ravine. 
Crossing the ravine and ascending a hill beyond, 
the advance-guard were fired upon by a few gueril- 
las, who immediately fled to a stone house in sight 
of the crest of the hill. 

Captain Blanchard gave orders to charge upon 
them. When half way down the hill, a large body 
of men darted out of the willows which had con- 
cealed them. He found himself drawn into an 
ambuscade, with guerillas, lancers, and infantry 
to the number of eight hundred men, appearing on 



3o8 EPISODES OF THE WAR. 

all sides. He ordered a retreat toward the city, 
but this was the signal for hundreds more to swoop 
out with cries and screams upon their prey, success- 
fully entrapped. As they approached the ravine, 
where only one man could cross at a time, the oppo- 
site bank was lined with lancers, and Captain Blan- 
chard, seeing all hope lost of successful resistance, 
reluctantly gave the desperate order for every man 
to save himself, or sell life at the utmost cost to the 
enemy. 

His men scattered in a moment. Some rode into 
the ravine and hurled themselves on the lances of 
the Mexicans. Others rode along the bank to find 
some other crossing, or galloped into a neighboring 
corn-field, which they found was filled with infantry. 
Back and forth they dashed in the narrowing circle, 
smiting their merciless foes till, with their leader 
Captain Blanchard, they were cut to pieces. Of the 
thirty-three men, eleven escaped, by hewing their 
way through the enemy's lines, or flying before them 
as they were pursued, and saving themselves by the 
speed of their horses. 



i 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Closi7ig Events of the War. 

Desire for peace— Political changes in Mexico — Proposals for 
treaty of peace — Appointment of commissioners — Ratification 
of the treaty — Its terms — Evacuation of the capital and the 
country — Return of the soldiers to their homes — Conclusion. 

The Mexican people had now succumbed to the 
victorious armies of the " barbarians of the North." 
The Mexican Government was favorable to the set- 
tlement of the questions which had caused this un- 
happy war. A new administration was in power. 
General Anaya on the nth of November was elected 
President of the Mexican Republic until the 8th of 
January, 1848, when the constitutional term of 
ofifice would expire. This election indicated the 
prevailing sentiment among the people. The in- 
crease of American garrisons in the chief cities ; 
the occupation of the capital itself ; the orders of 
General Scott requiring all taxes hitherto paid to 
the Mexican Government to be paid henceforth to 
the United States, and the actual enforcement of 
these orders in the capital and in some of the silver 



3IO CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR. 

mines, had subdued the warHke spirit of the citi- 
zens. The continuance of the war involved the 
final subjugation of Mexico and its annexation to 
the United States. The territory now held by 
American troops for which compensation had been 
offered would be retained by right of conquest, if 
Mexico persisted in the war. National pride there- 
fore bowed to the necessities of the republic, and the 
deputies assembled in the Mexican Congress favored 
the organization of a commission for the purpose 
of reopening negotiations with Mr. Trist, who still 
remained in Mexico, and was determined to assume 
the responsibility of acting still as agent of the 
United States. The lack of cooperation by the ad- 
herents of Santa Anna prevented immediate action 
on the part of these commissioners. 

On the 8th of January, 1848, General Herrera was 
elected Constitutional President of the Mexican 
Republic by the people, who had fully awakened to 
the peril of their national independence. Yielding 
whatever portion of their country they were too weak 
to defend, they resolved to save, by an honorable 
treaty, what yet remained. Mr. Trist's rash act did 
not result in any of the possible evils which this as- ' 
sumption of authority might have brought upon 
himself and others. Under the new administration 
negotiations were easily opened with a spirit of 



CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR. 311 

harmony and concession which indicated a happy 
issue. Mexico gave up her claim to the Nueces as 
the boundary-hne of her territory, and the United 
States did not longer insist upon the cession of 
Lower California and the right of way across the 
Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The previous offer of 
money by the United States for the cession of New 
Mexico and Upper California was also continued, 
and also the method of settlement of claims for 
damages agreed upon in the conventions of 1839 ^^'^ 
1843. 

On the 2d of February, a treaty of peace was 
unanimously adopted and signed by the commission- 
ers at the city of Guadaloupe Hidalgo. 

The governors of the Mexican States were urged 
by the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs to in- 
duce the deputies soon to assemble to take imme- 
diate action. There was but little delay in obtain- 
ing their signatures, and the treaty having received 
the sanction of the Senate of the United States, 
March 9th, 1848, with a few amendments, the rati- 
fications of the Mexican Congress and of the United 
States Senate were exchanged May 30th, 1848. 

The United States, by the terms of this treaty, 
paid to Mexico iifteen m.illions of dollars for the 
territory added to its boundaries. They moreover 
freed the Mexican Republic from all claims of citi- 



312 CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR. 

zens of the United States against Mexico for 
damages, which the United States agreed to pay to 
the amount of three and one quarter milHons of dol- 
lars. The boundary-line was also fixed between the 
two republics. It began in the Gulf of Mexico 
three miles from the mouth of the Rio Grande del 
Norte, running up the centre of that river to the 
point where it strikes the southern boundary of New 
Mexico ; then westward along that southern bound- 
ary which runs north of El Paso, to its western ter- 
mination ; thence northward along the western line 
of New Mexico until it intersects the first branch of 
the river Gila, thence down the middle of the Gila 
until it empties into the Rio Colorado, following 
the division line between Upper and Lower Califor- 
nia to the Pacific Ocean, one marine league south 
of the port of San Diego. 

On the 1 2th of June, the last of the United 
States troops left the capital of Mexico, compli- 
mentary salutes having been given to the flags of 
both republics. The American soldiers returned to 
their homes in triumph, to receive memorials of 
praise for their patriotism and bravery from State 
Legislatures, the ovations of multitudes of citizens, 
and the happy greetings of friends and kindred, the 
echoes of which were heard for many months in 
every part of the Union. 



CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR. 313 

Never has a nation in modern times fought a 
more successful war of such brief duration. With 
her territory enormously increased, with the valor 
and skill of her army proved in hardly fought battles, 
and their endurance tested to the utmost, any nation 
could be at once proud and joyful in such sons, 
elated by such glory in war and by such a country 
of magnificent extent and untold resources of soil 
and climate, lakes and seas. 

The curse of human slavery, for the maintenance 
of which the war with Mexico had its chief support 
and motive, yet stained this majestic domain. Ere 
it should be removed this nation would be baptized 
in blood. Then it would come forth with its free 
institutions and government, its vast wealth, its 
commercial greatness, and its Christian religion, to 
hold its glorious place in the mighty march of the 
nations toward the everlasting reign of the Prince 
of Peace. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

TJie Results of the War to the United States 
and Mexico. 

The avowed purpose of the war — Area of the conquered territory 
— The cost in human life and treasure — Value of the acqui- 
sition — Discovery of gold in California — Effects on population 
and commerce — Value of products — Development by railroads 
— Perils to the Union — Grandeur of the nation. 

The partisan supporters of President Polk's ad- 
ministration did not hesitate to avow that the war 
with Mexico was waged for conquest of territory. 
The cession of no less than New Mexico and Upper 
California was thought of. "I take it for granted," 
said Mr. Giles in Congress, " that we shall gain 
territory, and must gain territory, before we shut 
the gates of the temple of Janus. We must have 
it. Every consideration of national policy calls upon 
us to secure it. We must march out from ocean to 
ocean. We must fulfil what the American poet 
has said of us, from one end of this confederacy to 
the other : 

* The broad Pacific chafes our strand, 
We hear the wide Atlantic roar.' 



I 



THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 315 

We must march from Texas straight to the Pacific 
Ocean, and be bounded only by its roaring wave." 

Resolutions declaring that " the war is not urged 
with a view to conquest" were repeatedly rejected 
by Congress. 

The demands of indemnity from Mexico first made 
by the United States were equal, exclusive of Texas, 
to half of the domain of Mexico, embracing a ter- 
ritory upward of eight hundred thousand square 
miles. The Territories of the United States, inde- 
pendent of the thirty States, at this time contained 
an area of one million three hundred and thirty-five 
thousand three hundred and ninety-eight square 
miles. But the advocates of slavery sought this 
new territory of New Mexico and California, in the 
words of the Charleston Courier ^ " to widen the field 
of Southern enterprise and power for the future." 
Mr. Polk, in his message to Congress, declared that 
** the boundary of the Rio Grande, and the cession 
of the States of New Mexico and Upper California, 
constituted an ultimatum which our commissioner 
was under no circumstances to yield." 

The area of New Mexico, as actually ceded by 
treaty to the United States, was five hundred and 
twenty-six thousand and seventy-eight square miles. 
The disputed ground of Texas which rightfully 
belonged to Mexico, and which was also yielded in the 



3i6 THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 

treaty of peace, contained no less than one hundred 
and twenty-five thousand five hundred and twenty 
square miles. The acquisition of the total amount 
of six hundred and fifty-one thousand five hundred 
and ninety-one square miles of territory was one of 
tlie direct results of this war, in which President Polk 
was ever pretending " to conquer a peace. " To this 
must be added the undisputed region of Texas, 
which was three hundred and twenty- five thousand 
five hundred and twenty square miles more, in 
order adequately to represent the acquisition of 
territory to the United States, amounting to eight 
hundred and fifty-one thousand five hundred and 
ninety square miles. This has been computed to be 
seventeen times the extent of the State of New 
York, which has but fifty thousand square miles. 

To accomplish this immense enlargement of terri- 
tory, the number of volunteers accepted and en- 
gaged in the war in the service of the United States 
was fifty-six thousand nine hundred and twenty-six. 
The number of regular troops of the United States 
army was twenty-six thousand six hundred and 
ninety. The number of recruits, naval forces, and 
teamsters was thirteen thousand ; so that over one 
hundred thousand men were mustered into the army 
and navy to prosecute the war. 

The mortality of the American troops in battle 



THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 317 

was comparatively small on account of their physical 
superiority and skill to that of the Mexicans. It 
did not exceed five thousand. But the deaths from 
wounds, and sickness from chills, fevers, diarrhoea, 
and vomito, which was very prevalent in the hot 
region and on the table-lands, and fatal to the 
Americans, made the total loss of life exceed 
twenty thousand men. General Scott had at one 
time, out of a force of ten thousand seven hundred 
and thirty-eight men in Puebla, nineteen hundred 
sick in hospital. General Taylor said that the pro- 
portion of those cut down by disease to those who 
fell in battle was about five to one. At Perote 
there were two thousand six hundred American 
victims ot disease. The deaths of the soldiers in the 
city of Mexico were the at rate of one thousand each 
month. The men who were diseased and crippled, 
ruined in body if not in character, and unfitted for 
the maintenance of homes and families, are to be 
added to this destruction of human life and efBciency 
for citizenship. 

The material cost of this war to the United States 
was in direct outlay of money about one hundred 
million dollars. Additional to this was the cost of 
return of troops, extra pay, and bounties, amount- 
ing to twelve million five hundred thousand dollars. 
The payment of claims assumed by the United 



3i8 THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 

States Government required two million five hun- 
dred dollars more, and the price paid for the ceded 
territory was fifteen million dollars. So that this 
new territory was purchased at a cost, in money, of 
one hundred and thirty million dollars, beside the 
human suffering and loss of life it caused to both 
nations. This was an enormous sum in that period 
of United States history. Twenty-five millions was 
once offered by Mr. Polk's administration for the 
peaceful purchase of the same territory. 

But far greater was the loss of treasure and the 
sacrifice of life and property to the people of Mexico. 
They were left by this war distracted, overwhelmed 
with woes, and discouraged by their protracted 
struggles to establish and maintain self-government 
on the democratic principles avowed by the great 
republic which inflicted the awful evils of war upon 
them. 

The territory thus acquired included ten degrees 
of latitude on the Pacific coast, and extended east to 
the Rio Grande, a distance of a thousand miles. 
Three great harbors, Monterey, Santiago, and San 
Francisco were embraced in this cession, One was 
on the Gulf of Mexico, another on the Atlantic, and 
the third on the Pacific Ocean. Five thousand miles 
of sea-coast were added to the possessions of the 
United States. The Bay of San Francisco affords a 



THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 319 

fine harbor, unsurpassed in the world, where the 
navies of all nations could be sheltered at once. It 
is easily approached, and as easily defended from its 
rocky shores. China and Japan with six hundred 
millions of inhabitants can here find commercial 
intercourse with the food-producing peoples of 
America, and an unlimited demand for teas, silks, and 
foreign wares, in exchange for the products of 
Western inventive skill, and the commodities of a 
Christian civilization. 

The discovery by Americans of gold in California, 
in the early part of 1848, though it had been pre- 
viously known to the Jesuits, sent vast tides of im- 
migration from the United States and foreign lands 
toward that coast. In the eight months ending March, 
1850, nine million dollars' worth of gold was brought 
to the United States. The changes thus wrought 
in California were really marvellous. The popula- 
tion of California rapidly increased. The overland 
route was thronged with gold-seekers from the At- 
lantic States and the Mississippi valley. Multitudes 
swept across the plains. Fleets of vessels loaded 
with gold-hunters and merchandise made the long 
cruise around Cape Horn. Many steamship lines to 
the Isthmus of Panama sprung up, thronged to their 
utmost capacity with passengers, who often waited 
months on the Pacific coast of the isthmus for pas- 



320 THE RESULTS OF THE WAR, 

sage. From Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and 
France, ships poured foreign immigrants into the 
port of San Francisco. Towns and cities sprung up 
along the coast and the rivers. San Francisco 
leaped into the front ranks of commercial importance 
and population among the cities of the Union. 

California after a few years settled down to min- 
ing as a legitimate industry, and it has become even 
more celebrated for the wheat and fruit-growing 
qualities of its soil and climate, and its great prod- 
ucts of wool. On these her wealth and property 
now more largely depend than upon her gold. 

The mineral resources of the conquered territory, 
including California, New Mexico, Arizona, Western 
Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, have been developed 
to such an extent that their value is beyond compu- 
tation. Their mountains are veined with silver and 
gold, copper, lead, iron, and coal. The report of 
the product of the precious metals in the States and 
territories Avest of the Missouri River in 1882 was 
eighty-nine million two hundred and seven thousand 
five hundred and forty-nine dollars. Of this twenty- 
nine million eleven thousand three hundred and 
eighteen dollars was in gold ; forty-eight million 
one hundred and thirty-three thousand and thirty- 
nine dollars in silver, and the balance was in copper 
and lead. The yield of gold for 1882 was smaller 



THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 321 

than in any year since gold-mining became promi- 
nent in California. By far the largest portion of this 
yield was in the territory obtained by conquest and 
purchase from Mexico. An immense volume of 
wealth in thirty-two years has been added to the 
country's resources from this acquisition. Probably 
it has nearly equalled the debt incurred to preserve 
the Union in the Civil War, when, in the words of 
the immortal President Abraham Lincoln, " the 
wealth piled up by the bondsman's two hundred 
and fifty years of unrequited toil was sunk, and every 
drop of blood drawn with the lash was paid with an- 
other drawn with the sword. 

With the construction of the great trans-conti- 
nental railroad system, a new development of this 
wide stretch of country began. It has already four 
great through trunk lines uniting the Atlantic and 
Pacific Oceans. The Mexican Republic has by a 
national system of railways opened communication 
with these American roads, bringing its products of 
a tropical climate and its nine millions of population 
into close connection with the commerce and the 
civilizing influences of the American Union. 

An all-wise Providence has brought this vast re- 
gion into the possession of the Anglo-Saxon race, 
to be planted with free institutions, and governed by 
the equal laws of the American Republic. A de- 



322 THE RESULTS OF THE WAR. 

velopment of wealth and an increase of population 
amazing to contemplate awaits this territory in the 
future. Perils to the Union lie in the ignorance of 
the population and in the institutions of Mormonism, 
that enormous crime against morality and society, 
which has found security and expansion in those 
regions. Unless the hundreds of millions of people 
who shall yet occupy this belt of territories shall 
become like the citizens of the Eastern States in 
education, religion, laws, and customs of society, 
there will be a fissure in the Union along the 
borders of the great plains. 

On the other hand, the grandeur of a Christian 
republic, that in a hundred years may hold three 
hundred millions in its borders, stretching from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific shores over such a magnifi- 
cent domain, will ever, over the graves of the heroes 
of the Mexican war, inspire patriot hearts to the 
severest toils and largest sacrifices for their country. 



INDEX. 



Abiquin, ioi. 

Acachapau, 291. 

Acapulco, 231, 232, 

Agua Nueva, 186, 187, 201, 202, 284, 

306. 
Alamo, 22, 34, 172. 
Albuquerque, 95, 96, loi, 113. 
Algodones, 95. 
Alvarado, 183. 
Ampudia, Gen., 45, 58, 69, 162, 

178, 180, 190, 192, 193, 197, 198. 
Anaya, 309. 
Angel Trias, 144. 
Angostura, i86, 188, 189, 190, 193, 

196. 
Annexation of Texas, 35, 
Apaches, 97, 114. 
Apennines, 102. 
Archuleta, Don Diego, 266, 
Arista, Gen., 40, 44, 45, 46, 49, 54, 

56, 58, 59, 60, 62, 65, 69, 70, 72, 

74, 162, 276. 
Arizona, iii, 125, 320. 
Arkansas River, 78, 79. 
Armijo, Gen., 80, 84, 90, 96, 226. 
Arroyo Hondo, 269. 
Atlixco, 258, 259. 
Ayers, Lieut., 177. 
Ayotia, 230, 232. 
Aztec, 108. 

Bachimbo, 156. 

Barita, 70. 

Beall, Lieut., 116. 

Bear Spring, 105, 106. 

Belen, 243, 254. 

Belknap, Lieut. -Col., 54, 73. 

Bent, Charles, 97, 265, 267, 268, 271, 

Benton, Senator, 27, 159. 

Bernalillo, 95. 

Bishop's Palace, 164, i66, 173. 

Boundaries of U. S., 1840, 13. 



Blair, Francis P., Jr., 97. 

Blake, Lieut., 52. 

Blanchard, Capt.,307. 

Bliss, Adjutant-Gen., 71. 

Bloody First, 171. 

Bowles, Col., 194. 

Bragg, Capt., 47, 167, 187, 196, 198, 

201. 
Bravo, Gen., 227, 233. 
Brazito, 128, 129, 133, 157. 
Brazos, 185. 

Brown, Maj. Jacob, 47, 48, 49. 
Buchanan, Sec, 39. 
Buena Vista, 154, 157, 180, 186, 195, 

196, 198, 202, 203, 217, 282, 303, 

305. 
Butler, Gen., 168, 170, 264. 

Cadwalader, Gen., 234,235, 237, 

244, 250. 
California, 98, 112, 320. 
Camanche Indians, 80. 
Caniargo, 74, 160, 165, 185, 
Cafiada, 269, 271, 272. 
Canales, 277, 278. 
Cardenas, 157. 
Carison, Col., 279. 
Carrisal, 138, 139. 
Carrisito, 279. 
Casa de Mata, 243, 244, 245, 247, 

248. 
Castro, Gen., 119. 
Ceboletta, loi, 103, 104. 
Ceralvo, 161, 163. 
Cerro Gordo, 219, 221, 222, 223,^ 

224, 226. 
Cervarro, 102. 
Chalco, 230, 232. 
Chama River, 104. 
Chapultepec, 231, 243, 244, 245, 246, 

252. 
Charleston Courier, 310, 



324 



INDEX. 



Chaver, 269, 272. 

Chihuahua, 84, 98, 100, loi, 102, 
114, 126, 127, 129, 130, i,v,, 135, 
141, 151, 152, 155, 183, 184, 203. 

Child, Lieut.-Col., 54, 56, 176, 221, 
257, 258, 280, 307. 

Chohila, 229. 

Churchill, Lieut., 53. 

Churubusco, 231, 233,238, 239, 243, 

237- 
Churubusco River, 237. 
City of Mexico, 184, 217, 227. 
Cimmaron Mountains, 80. 
Clark, Maj., 126, 136, 144. 
Clay, Col., 303. 
Comanche Indians, 157, 298. 
Conception, 21. 
Conchos River, 156. 
Conde, Gen., 144, 145, 147. 
Condition of U. S. 1840, 14. 
Conner, Commodore, 70, 205. 
Contreras, 231, 232, 233, 234, 236. 
Consuls of Gt. Britain, etc., 213. 
Cooke, Lieut.-Col., 117, 121, 123. 
Cordilleras, 104. 
Coronado, 108. 
Corpus Christi, 38, 42, 
Cortez, 73, 206, 229. 
Cox, Gen., 21, 
Coyoacan, 249. 
Coahuila, 1S3. 
Cochrane, Lieut., 63. 
Colorado River, 40, 115. 
Colorado, 320. 
Cross, Col., 44. 
Cuyocan, 237. 

Davis, Col. Jeff., 179. 

Davis, Col., 187, 201. 

Del Norte, 100, 112. 

Democratic Party, 26. 

Dix, Major, 194. 

Dolores, Hacienda, 156. 

Dominick, Major, 235. 

Dona Ana, 127. 

Doniphan, Col. Alex. W., 76, 81, 
96, 98, loi, 102, 105, 106, 107, 
109, no, 126, 128, 136, 137, 144, 
149, 150, 203, 266. 

Drum, Capt., 236, 245, 254. 

Duncan, Capt., 54, 56, 64. 

Duncan's Artillery, 165, 177. 

Duncan, Lieut-Col., 232. 

Durango, 137, 153. 

Durayer, 148. 



El Paso, 128, 131, 132, 133, 135, 

1.36, 137, 149- 
El Peiion, 231. 
Embudo, 270, 271. 
Emor)', Capt., 121. 
Encantada, 157. 
Encarnacion Hacienda, 186. 
Encamacion, 203, 283, 284, 305. 
Eutaws, 89. 
Evening Post, N. Y., 29. 

Fannin, Col., 23. 
Federation Hill, 164, 174, 175, 282. 
Flores, Don Manana, 119. 
Florida River, 156. 
Fort Bent, 78, 79. 
Fort Brown, 43, 47, 48, 59, 70, 73. 
Fort Diabolo, 164, 169, 170, 171. 
Fort Lepanticlan, 21. 
Fort Leavenworth, 124, 125. 
Fort Loretto, 307. 
Fort Tannerio, 164, 168. 
Fourth U. S. Infantry, 170. 
Fray Christobel, 126. 
Free-Soil Party, 26, 28. 
Fremont, Gen., 100, 118, 120, 122, 
123. 

Gaines, Major, 305, 306. 

Gaines, Gen., 73. 

Gallisteo Canon, 84. 

Gallisteo River, 95. 

Garcia, Juan Anto., 268. 

Garland, Lieut., 71. 

Garland, Col., 167, 16S, 169, 171. 

Garland's Brigade, 246. 

Giddings, James, 272. 

Gila River, 114, 115, 312. 

Giles, Mr., 314. 

Gillespie, Capt., 116, iig. 

Gilpin, Capt., 105, 107, in, 126, 

147. 
Goliad, 21, 22, 34, 172. 
Gomez, Farias, President, 218. 
Gonzales, 21. 

Great Britain's Claims, 33. 
Great Republic, Ship, 158. 
Grigsby, Capt., 118. 
Guadalavara, 154. 
Guadaloupe Hidalgo, 311. 
Guyagas Springs, 140. 

Hall of Montezuma, 114. 
Hammond, Lieut., 116. 
Hannibal, 102. 



INDEX. 



325 



Hardee, Capt., 45, 69. 
Hardin, Col., 187. 
Harney, Col., 221, 222, 224, 229. 
Haskell, Col., 223. 
Hawkins, Capt., 49. 
Hays, Col., 176. 
Henderson, Gen., 168, 179. 
Hendley, Capt., 271, 272. 
Heredia, Maj.-Gen., 144, 147. 
Herrera, Gen., 40, 310. 
Hidalgo, Don Manuel, 154, 291. 
Holmes, Mr., of S. Cal., 28. 
Houghton, Judge, 267, 272. 
Houston, Gen. Samuel, 22. 
Howard Artillery, 130. 
Huamantla, 258, 260. 
Hudson, Capt., 145, 
Huger, Capt., 245. 

IDE, Gen., 118. 
Independence, 77. 
Independence Hill, 164, 173, 176. 
Instance of Clemency, 135. 
Isabel, Point, 38, 42, 45, 46, 48, 49, 

50, 70, 74. 
Iturbide, Fort, 292. 
Iztaccihuatl, 229. 

Jackson, Lieut. -Col., 102, 105, 

106, 126, 146. 
Jackson, President, 32. 
Jalapa, 219, 220, 222. 
Jalisco, 21, 227, 
Jemez Jlountains, 94. 
Jesuits, 319. 
Johnston, Capt., 116. 
Jornada del Muerto, 126. 
Journey of the Dead, 127. 
Justimand, Gen., 144. 

Kansas River, 76. 

Kearney, Stephen W., Col. and 
Gen., 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 84, 8s, 
88, 94, 97, 98, 112, 116, 118, 120, 
121, 265, 294, 295. 

Ker, Capt., 54, 56. 

Kit Carson, 100, 113. 

La Encantada, Valley, 186. 

Laguna de los Patos, 138. 

Lane, Gen., 69, 193, 201, 25S, 260. 

Landero, Gen., 215. 

Las Vegas, 82. 

La Vega, Gen., 62, 224, 305. 

Leavenworth, Fort, 76, 99, 102, 109. 



Leon, Gen., 245, 248. 

Linares, 183, 276. 

Lipans, 299. 

Llano, Seiior, 179. 

Loma, 85, 94. 

Lombardini, Gen. , 193, 195, 

Los Angeles, 115, 119, 120, 122, 123. 

Los Cerrillos Mountains, 94. 

Loud, Capt., 47. , 

McCuLLOCH, Capt. Benj., 74, 275, 
279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 
286. 

McCall, Ca-pt., 60, 177. 

Mcintosh, Col., 64, 246. 

McKee, Col., 303. 

Magruder's Battery, 233. 

Marcy, Fort, 94, 96. 

Marcy, Sec, 38, 117. 

Marin, 161. 

Marshall, Col., 198. 

Matamoras, 38, 42, 43, 46, 48, 68, 
70, 71, 74, 15s, 165, 185, 275, 276. 

May, Capt., 54, 61, 66, 16S. 

May, Col., 197, 198, 199. 

Mazatlan, 293, 294. 

Merrick, Mr., of Maryland, 28. 

Merwin, Capt., 272. 

Mexicalcingo, 232. 

Mexico, her population, 14 ; cli-' 
mate, etc., 15; acquires her in- 
dependence, 17 ; declarations of 
her Congress, 1812, 17 ; internal 
dissensions, 18 ; States of, 19 ; 
causes of war with, 31 ; treaty 
v.'ith 1831, 32 ; convention for 
arbitration of differences with 
U. S., 33 ; invasion by Doniphan, 
98, et seq. 

Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo, 17. 

Mier, 74. 

Miles, Capt., 174. 

Minon, Gen., 186, 202, 305, 306. 

Mitchell, Lieut. -Col., 146, 153. 

Molino del Rey, 243, 244, 245, 248. 

Monclova, 183, 184. 

Monterey, 74, 100, 118, 122, 124, 
158, 161, 162, 163, 167, 180, 183, 
216, 276, 282, 293, 299, 318. 

Montezuma, 83. 

Montoya, 269. 

Moore, Capt., 116. 

Morales, Gen., 209, 214, 215. 

Moreno, Gen., 178. 

Mormon Infantry, 99, 117, 121. 



326 



INDEX. 



Moro, 269, 271. 
Mount Mitria, 174. 

Narbona, 103. 

Navajo Expedition, loi. 

Navajos, 89, 100, 103, 106, 126. 

Nevada, 320. 

New Hampshire Patriot, 29. 

Nevir Mexico, 75, 89, 94, 125. 

Nixon, Lieut., 169. 

Nueces, 21, 37, 43, 311. 

Nueva Leon, 162. 

OaXACA, 21. 

O'Brien, Lieut., 192, 193, 194, 195, 

200. 
Ojo Caliente, 139. 
Ojo Oso, ig8. 
Old Baldy, 94. 

Old Black Fort, 163, 166, 167, 168. 
Ortego, Gen., 179, 193. 
Ortiz, 149, 266. 

Pachecho, Gen., 193, 195. 

Pacific Squadron, 100. 

Page, Capt., 56. 

Palacio Grande, 85. 

Palo Alto, 50, 57, 60, 64, 72, 222. 

Papagayo, 279. 

Paredes, Fort, 71. 

Paredes, Gen., 40, 182. 

Parral, 153. 

Parras, 156, 157, 184. 

Parsons, Capt., 145. 

Patterson, Gen., 184. 

Pecos, 82, 83, 100, loi, 271. 

Perez, Gen., 245. 

Perote, 219, 224, 312. 

Perr}', 209, 288, 289, 290, 291, 293. 

Phillips, William, 285. 

Pico, Don Andres, 116, 119, 120. 

Pierce, Brig.-Gen., 228, 234. 

Pillow, Gen., 206, 209, 223, 224, 229, 

230, 232, 233, 237, 249, 250, 251. 
Pino Indians, 115, 121. 
Piscao River, log. 
Placitas Mountains, 94. 
Plan de Rio, 219, 220. 
Polk, President, 32, 37, 309, 310, 

316. 
Ponce de Leon, 129, 131, 135. 
Population of New Mexico, 91. 
Population of U. S. 1840-1850, 13. 
Popocatepetl, 229. 
Porter. Lieut., 44. 



Presidio, 184. 

Price, Col., 98, 99, 101, 265, 2G6, 

269. 
Proclamation of Gen. Kearney, 88, 

95. 123. 
Proclamation of Fremont, 120. 
Proposals to Mexico for adjustment 

of disputed questions, 35. 
Pueblo Indians, 84, 86, 91, 103, 26S. 
Puebla, 21, 219, 225, 228, 229, 258, 

309- 
Puerco River, 102. 
Purgatoire, 80. 

Queretaro, 227. 

Quitman, Gen., 160, 16S, 170, 172, 

184, 205, 225, 229, 230, 232, 249, 

250, 251, 254, 255, 

Ramos, 280, 2S1. 

Raton Mountains, 80. 

Rea, Gen., 257, 258, 307, 

Reid, Capt., 103, 141, 145, 146, 152, 

157- 
Reid, Lieut. S. C, 275. 
Requena, Gen., 179. 
Resaca de la Palma, 59, 65, 67, 72, 

222, 275, 2S8. 
Reynoso, 74, 277. 
Reynolds, Lieut., 198. 
Ridgeley, Lieut., 60, 62, 169, 171, 

172. 
Riley, Col., 223, 234, 235, 237. 
Ringgold, 53. 

Rio Grande del Norte, 36, 312. 
Rio Grande, 40, 42, 43, 44, 64, 71, 

72, 74, 108, 138, 184, 206, 269, 276, 

310, 313. 
Rio San Juan, 160, 162, 164. 
Rio Frio, 229. 
Rio Colorado, 269, 312. 
Robedo, 126. 
Robinson, James W., 22. 
Ruicon, Gen., 233. 

Sacrificios, 206, 209, 
Sacramento, 141, 143, 157, 158. 
Saltillo, 15s, 162, 166, 180, 183, 185, 

1S6, igo, ig6, 202. 
San Angel, 234, 236, 
San Antonio de Bexar, 22, 184. 
San Antonio, 21, 231, 237, 238. 
San Augustine, 233, 235. 
San Cosme, 243, 249, 252, 253. 
Sandia, 96. 



INDEX. 



327 



Sandia Mountains, 94. 
San Diego, 115, 117, 118, 119, 121. 
San Domingo Pueblo, 95. 
Sandoval, 103. 
San Felipe Pueblo, 95. 
San Fernandino, 120. 
San Francisco River, 114. 
San Francisco, 118, 161, 318. 
San Gabriel, 120. 
\ San Jacinto, 23, 26. 
San Juan d'Ulloa, Castle of, 207, 

Bis- 
sau Juan, 104. 
San Pablo, 238. 
San Pablo de Churubusco, 237. 
San Patricio Battalion, 197, 201. 
San Luis, 227. 
San Luis Rey, 124. 
San Luis Potosi, 180, 182, 186. 
San Miguel, 82. 
Santa Anna dissolves Mexican 

Congress, 20 ; invades Texas, 22 ; 

is defeated, 23, 180, 182, 186, 187, 

197, 198, 199, 202, 218, 224, 226, 

23i> 233. 245, 257, 258, 283, 284, 

306, 310. 
Santa Barbara, 120. 
Santa Bernada, 157. 
Santa Cruz, 156. 
Santa Fe trail, 77, 
Santa Fe, 84, 85, 86, 92, 96, 99, loi, 

102, 112, 126, 135, 265, 266, 269. 
Santa Rosalia, 156. 
Santa Rosa, 184. 
Santiago, 313. 
Sarcilla Largo, 106. 
Scorpion, 292. 
Scott, Gen., 157, 184, 205, 207, 213, 

215, 219, 220, 221, 222, 228, 237, 

241, 242, 244, 252, 253, 264, 309, 

312. 
Second Brigade, 223. 
Second Indiana Regt., 194. 
Seralvo, 279. 

Sherman's battery, 187, 195, 198. 
Shields, Gen., 220, 223, 224, 234, 

238, 239, 251. 
Shubrick, Commodore, 122, 
Sierra del Buso, 114. 
Sierra Gorda, 184. 
Sierra Madre Range, 101, 105, 160, 

276. 
Slaveiy question, 26, 27, 29. 
Slidell, John, 35, 39. 
Sloat, 118, 265, 28S, 293, 294. 



Smith, Henry, 22. 

Smith, Capt., 174. 

Smith's Brigade, 233, 250, 251. 

Socorro, loi. 

Soldardo, Fort, 175. 

Sonoma, 118. 

Sonora, 114, 119, 121. 

Spitfire, 289, 290. 

Stockton, Commodore, 100, 116, 

117, iiS, 119, 121, 122, 294. 
St. Eulalia, Mines of, 154. 
St. Tome, 96. 
Sulles, John R., 272. 
Sumner, Major, 113, 221, 245. 



Tacubaya, 243, 245, 249. 

Tafolla, 268, 269. 

Tafolla, Jesus, 267. 

Tamaulipas, 184. 

Tampico, 183, 288. 

Tampico Veterans, 64. 

Taos, 268, 270, 271, 272. 

Taos Valley, 80. 

Taylor, Gen. Zachary, 36, 40, 42, 
45. 46, 52, 59, 60, 65, 73, 75, 155, 
158, 161, 165, 173, 177, 178, 180, 
183, 184, 186, 188, 190, 196, 197, 
199, 202, 203, 216, 275, 283, 284, 
296, 303. 304, 312. 

Taylor's Battery, 237. 

Tehuantepec, 311. 

Texas Rangers, 275. 

Texas, 20 ; calls Congress, 21 ; in- 
vaded by Santa Anna, 22 ; ob- 
tains independence, 24 ; applies 
for admission to U. S., 26, 34; 
amount of territory, 27. 

Tezeuco, Lake, 231. 

Thomas, Lieut., 281. 

Thornton, Capt., 45, 6g. 

Tobasco, 289, 290, 292. 

Toluca, 233. 

Tomas, 271, 272. 

Torrejon, Gen., 45, 198. 

Travis, Col., 22. 

Trias, Gov., 154. 

Trist, N. P., 29, 228, 242, 310. 

Trujillo, Don Antonio Maria, 267, 
268, 272. 

Tunicha Mountains, 104, 105. 

Tuspan, 289. 

Twiggs, Gen., 54, 55, 70, 73, 160, 
167, 184, 205, 2og 220, 222, 223, 
224, 229, 230, 232, 233, 237, 250. 



328 



INDEX. 



Ugarte, Gen., 144. 
Urea, Gen., 22. 
Utah, 325. 

Vald.\rez, 248. 

Valverde, 102, iii. 

Vera Cruz, 128, 182, 183, 205, 206, 

214, 215, 218, 219, 260. 
Victoria, 183, 184. 
Villamil, Gen. Moray, 193, 196. 

Waldo, Capt. David, 97, 105, 106, 
Walker, Capt. S. H., 46, 260, 261, 

262, 263, 264. 
Walnut Springs, 161, 171. 
Washington's Battery, 200. 
Webster, Daniel, 28, 
Weightman, Capt., 126, 144, 146, 

152. 



Whig Party, 26, 28. 

Woods, Officer, 168, 

Wool, Brig.-Gen., 75, loi, 125, 137, 
15s, 157, 186, 187, 188, 193, 197, 
203. 

Worth, Gen., 73, 160, 165, 166, 167, 
168, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 
180, 184, 205, 206, 209, 215, 224, 
225, 229, 230, 232, 237, 238, 244, 
250, 280, 282. 

xochimilco, 231, 232. 

Yell, Col., 187, 198. 
Yucatan, 288. 

Zacatecas, 21, 227. 
Zuni, 108, 109. 




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